Children's National Hospital · 20 hours ago
Unit Communications Associate | PICU | Part Time Benefited
Washington, DC
Part-time
Onsite
Entry Level
$43K/yr - $43K/yr
1+ years expChildren's National Hospital is dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare services, and they are seeking a Unit Communications Associate to coordinate communication activities for the nursing unit. The role involves maintaining patient care records, performing clerical duties, and ensuring efficient operation of the Unit Communication Center.
AssociationChild CareHealth CareNon Profit
Responsibilities
Coordinates the communication activities for the nursing unit and models exemplary performance standards of customer service for patients, families and internal customers
Maintains patient care records and related documentation as determined by Health Information Management and Unit Support Services
Performs clerical duties for a specific unit
Performs receptionist responsibilities and tasks which ensure efficient operation of a Unit Communication Center
Greet patients, families, healthcare staff and visitors in a friendly, approachable manner
Speak to the patient/family at a level appropriate to their level of understanding
Provide information in a helpful, collegial and/or caring manner and follow up on requests for information as needed
Communicate effectively among all disciplines and contribute to problem solving issues on the unit effectively and collaboratively
Communicate concerns or issues to the Charge Nurse/Coordinator or Unit Manager
Answer telephone calls in a professional, timely manner, and with a consumer-oriented approach
Relay information and messages in an accurate and timely manner
Maintain all communication boards
Follow procedures for visitors policy
Assist in mail distribution to clinical staff on unit
Coordinate admissions, discharges and transfers with the Bed Control Office and the Admissions/Discharge Nurse Coordinator
Discharge patients in computer system per protocol, immediately after patient leaves
Verify bed status and placement of patients in a collaborative manner and contact the Charge Nurse with bed placement issues promptly
Verify empty bed status report with the Charge Nurse each shift according to policy; maintain accurate census and bed control; and communicate environmental needs as appropriate
Maintain bed/crib par levels
Maintain environment of care by making rounds on unit
Use PSS (staffing) system to enter census data each shift as directed
Fax PSS flow sheets daily according to proper procedure
Provide a written and oral report for the oncoming Unit Communications Associate at the end of the shift
Follow procedures for visitor policy
Maintain a clean and orderly work environment
Assist Unit Manager with the collections of Patient Satisfaction Surveys
Assist in mail distribution to clinical staff on the unit
Answer call bells in a professional manner and with a consumer-oriented approach
May assist in Unit Orientation for patients / families
May assist with making requests for supplies of patient care needs
Fax orders to pharmacy per procedure
Maintain downtime box and follow downtime procedures including but not limited to faxing orders to the appropriate department
Prepare charts for surgery, special procedures, transfers and discharges according to established guidelines
Maintain confidentiality at all times
Maintain proper PAR levels of supplies on the Nursing Unit
In collaboration with the Unit Manager, verify all supply/equipment orders according to established budget parameters
Use E-Works accurately to complete all orders appropriately
Maintain supply/equipment log per unit protocol
Monitor and organize supplies in designated storage areas
Ensure that computer systems are properly plugged in at each station and clean equipment if necessary
Initiate communication for fixing equipment including but not limited to Hill Rom Call Bell system, Computer system, and Phones
Initiate the patient charge system according to procedure and downtime supply boxes
Work closely with Charge Nurse/Coordinators to maintain organized unit environment of care
Speak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance
Continuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentation
Stop in the face of uncertainty and takes time to resolve the situation
Demonstrate accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communication
Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors and co-workers
Attend carefully to important details - practicing Stop, Think, Act and Review in order to self-check behavior and performance
Attend mandatory in-services/educational programs to learn about new procedures, skills, products, equipment
Attend staff meetings
Assist with clerical orientation of newly hired nursing staff and Unit Communication Associates
Participate in Shared Leadership by keeping informed about council meetings and unit issues
Participate in shared-decision making through contributing to unit discussions and supporting shared leadership decisions
Partner in the mission and upholds the core principles of the organization
Committed to diversity and recognizes value of cultural ethnic differences
Demonstrate personal and professional integrity
Maintain confidentiality at all times
Anticipate and responds to customer needs; follows up until needs are met
Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior
Partner with all team members to achieve goals
Receptive to others’ ideas and opinions
Contribute to a positive work environment
Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change
Identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes
Make appropriate decisions, using sound judgment
Use resources efficiently
Search for less costly ways of doing things
Qualification
Required
High School Diploma or GED (Required)
1 year In a healthcare environment (Required)
Computer knowledge and proficiency required
Basic MS Word skills
Excellent Organizational, Analytical And Communications Skills Required
Legible handwriting
Attention to detail
Basic mathematics skills
Ability to interact with all levels of staff, patient and visitors with tact and diplomacy
Ability to respond quickly to specified emergency situations in other areas of the Hospital when needed
Follow all Hospital / Departmental policies/procedures
Remain on unit during assigned shift, notifying Charge Nurse and appropriate staff members when leaving the unit for patient care related errands
Use designated staff areas for eating, smoking, and socializing (performed only during assigned breaks)
Leave patient care area when assigned shift is completed, replacement staff member is present, and report is given
Work area is left in a neat and organized fashion
Use downtime productively during shift
Preferred
Associate's Degree and/or some college (Preferred)
Company
Children's National Hospital
Children’s National Hospital, based in Washington, D.C., was established in 1870 to help every child grow up stronger.
Founded in 1870Washington, District of Columbia, USA
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Children's National Hospital has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (82)
2024 (55)
2023 (92)
2022 (59)
2021 (41)
2020 (51)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$19.4MKey Investors
Gilbert Family FoundationAdvanced Research Projects Agency for HealthUnited Health Foundation
2025-10-09Grant· $8M
2024-10-23Grant· $8M
2021-11-09Grant· $3.4M
Leadership Team
Kurt Newman
President and CEO
Michelle Riley-Brown, MHA, FACHE
President and CEO
Recent News
BioWorld Financial Watch
2025-06-07
Company data provided by crunchbase