Pulmonary Neurology Tech Assistant

WOOSTER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL JOB DESCRIPTION 

Pulmonary Neurology Tech. Assistant-PSNTA (Unlicensed Assistive Personnel-UAP) 

MAIN FUNCTION:  

Works under the supervision of RRT and/or RNCST assisting registered staff with clerical, administrative, and clinical tasks. Depending upon daily staffing and activity, the PSNTA may perform tasks in one of these categories or all three of them. They may assist with duties in collaboration with Nursing and Lab staff supervision and direction and are required to follow WCH applicable Policies and Procedures. 

The PSNTA will be required to provide patient care to all ages in an efficient, professional, compassionate manner. Responsible for assuring effective communication with patients, support persons, and members of the healthcare team. 

Responsible for care of assigned patients including, but not limited to: patient assessment, evaluation, and education, electrocardiograms, routine equipment cleaning/maintenance, documentation of therapies and care provided. Acts in compliance with hospital, Pulmonary/Neurology department policies/procedures, and applicable Accreditation standards. 

In addition, must have excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to learn proper use of very delicate instrumentation. 

RESPONSIBLE TO:    PSN Director, Clinical Manager, RRT shift leader, Charge RN, and Lab staff. 

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:   

• High School diploma or GED 
• No written disciplinary action in the last 12 months. 
• Maintain a current AHA (American Heart Association) healthcare Provider BLS card. 

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES: 

• Personal computer experience and keyboarding skills 
• Medical terminology course or demonstrated knowledge 
• A formal education from an accredited medical assistant school or medical assistant training program; certification preferred. 
•  

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

Employees in this position may be: 

• Exposed to blood, body fluids, and/or airborne pathogens, and are required to wear personal protective equipment. 
• Must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, turn, crouch, and bend as necessary to complete tasks. 
• Take possible on call status if necessary. 
• Reassigned to another unit or location to perform duties within current job description. 
• Subject to STHR (short term hours reduction) according to policy. 

POSITION EXPECTATIONS:  All expectations are detailed below are considered American Disabilities Act Essential. 

Leadership 

1. Embraces teamwork by adhering to service standards. 
2. Accepts and responds to change productively, while maintaining a positive attitude. 
3. Demonstrates appropriate behavior and competence in job duties. 
4. Demonstrates basic conflict resolution skills 

Communication 

1. Maintains awareness of verbal/nonverbal communication in interactions with staff, other departments, physicians, patients, and families. 
2. Maintains patient confidentiality in all communication interactions   written, verbal, electronic, and digital. 
3. Collaborates and communicates effectively with all members of the health care team. 
4. Demonstrates basic ability to initiate and manage crucial conversations. 
5. Utilizes AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Expectations, Thank You) strategies to foster positive communication. 
6. Demonstrates acceptance of supervisory authority, guidance and instruction.  Follows appropriate chain of command. 
7. Reports patient observations and specific problems appropriately. 
8. Interacts with clinical students in a positive, productive manner. 
9. Interacts positively and appropriately with a multitude of personalities with both patients and staff 
10. Understands theories, reasons, and technical aspects of medicine 
11. Demonstrates the ability to multi-task and prioritize various job duties 

Operations 

1. Work habits are consistently adjusted to accommodate multiple responsibilities and are prioritized and completed in an independent and timely manner.   Effectively utilizes time management and organizational skills. 
2. Safely transports patients via wheelchair, bed, and/or cart throughout facility. 
3. Meets patient needs and safety issues. 
4. Participates in team collaborations or department meetings/huddles. 
5. Maintains fall prevention strategies. 
6. Under the direction of licensed PSN or Lab staff 
   • Provides appropriate hygiene care for patients 
   • Provides comfort measures 
   • Follows infection control guidelines and safety precautions 
   • Provides patients with assistance as necessary 
   • Specimen collection and transport using appropriate technique 
   • Accurately documents care provided in a timely manner 
   • Demonstrates reasonable a rational judgment in decision making 
   • Assists with flow of unit 

Basic Duties 

Clerical 

1. Answering phones 
2. Greeting patients 
3. Sorting mail 
4. Handling correspondence 
5. Filing 
6. Creating documents 
7. Performing computer data entry 
8. Cleaning and disinfection report room/kitchen area 
9. Initiates reports/work orders to appropriate personnel 

Administrative 

1. Following all HIPPA guidelines appropriately 
2. Managing inventory and ordering/requesting supplies 
3. Obtaining and returning supplies and equipment as directed 
4. Scheduling patient medical procedures/appointments 
5. Following up on patient visits 
6. Updating patient medical records 

Clinical 

1. Taking patient vital signs 
2. Taking medical histories 
3. Preparing patients for medical tests and exams 
4. Drawing blood (phlebotomy) 
5. Collecting nasal/throat swabs 
6. Performing electrophysiology testing 
7. Safely and appropriately operating, cleaning, and disposing of medical equipment/supplies 
8. Any other duties assigned by the management team 

Customer Service 

1. Displays positive attitude.  Treats others with honesty and respect.  Speaks positively in all customer interactions both internally and externally. 
2. Uses communication skills to optimize the patient’s experience by reducing the patient and family’s anxiety, to increase patient compliance and to foster patent satisfaction, and to develop positive relationships with other departments. 
3. Uses face to face resolutions to interact with patients and staff in situations where a customer’s needs have not been met to determine a positive, mutually agreeable resolution. 

Staff Development/Personal Growth 

In collaboration with the PSN department leadership, charge nurse, or lab supervisory personnel. 

1. Functions as a preceptor, seeking learning opportunities for orientee.   Interacts with department directors, managers, and charge staff to evaluate orientee progress towards goals, identifying additional needs. 
2. Demonstrates professional growth by participating in committees/unit projects. 
3. Demonstrates initiative and responsibility to develop personal, leadership, and career goals. 
4. Accepts feedback and opportunity for growth. 
5. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of new policies and procedures, practices, and or changes in practices and initiatives.  Obtains this knowledge via staff meeting attendance, reading of communication, required hospital and department continuing education, and discussions with departmental leadership and peers. 

Performance Improvement 

1. Identifies processes to be improved and communicates them to the management team.   Assists in data collection as directed. 
2. Participates or collaborates on a project, team and or a committee, department or hospital based, as directed by the management team. 
3. Develops and maintains awareness of DNV, CMS, and any other required quality and safety measures. 
4. Develops and maintains ongoing understanding of current practices for the type of patents for whom care is directly provided.  

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCY Dependent upon department and population served: 

Neonatal (Birth thru 28 days) 

1. Handles infants in gentle manner 
2. Speaks in soothing voice 
3. Holds and cuddles infant when necessary 
4. Facilitates parental interaction and care of infant 

Infant (29 days thru 12 months) 

1. Approaches infant in slow, non-threatening way 
2. Speaks in soothing way 
3. Holds and cuddles infant as much as possible 
4. Encourages parental interaction with infant 
5. Allows for familiar toys/blankets to be brought from home 

Pediatrics (one year thru 11 years) 

1. Allows choices when possible 
2. Speaks directly using few, clear, simple terms and explanations 
3. Limits number of strangers entering room 
4. Provides consistent care 
5. Does not shame patient for lack of cooperation 
6. Holds child for painful procedures 

Adolescents (12 years thru 18 years) 

1. Allows participation in care and choices as appropriate 
2. Provides for patient’s modesty 
3. Tells patient exactly what will be expected 
4. Allows patient control 
5. Speaks directly to patient in simple medical terms 

Geriatrics (65 years and older) 

1. Identifies physical/social/emotional barriers and physical limitations 
2. Speaks slowly and distinctly and repeats instructions/information several times 

Revised: 11/2024

Approved: TMMYERS