Unit Assistant

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The Unit Assistant position is available on several units including: Stroke, Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Pulmonary, Skilled and General Rehab Units. The Unit Assistant will help make a client's stay at Cardinal Hill a more pleasant experience by providing personal attention to the clients in an unhurried manner and to relieve the nursing and secretarial staff by performing various duties. This volunteer may be asked to participate in the therapy gym by cleaning equipment, retrieving equipment for therapists, playing games with clients, and encouraging clients.

Special Note: No direct client care is allowed, including taking temperatures, pulse or blood pressures.

Below is a guideline of duties to be performed while the volunteer is on the unit. At the beginning of each shift, please report to the Nursing Coordinator for assignments. Generally, assignments will include:

· Assist in making copies, or helping unit secretary as instructed.

· Pass water, ice or refreshments to clients with permission from a nurse.

· Answer the call bell.

· Answer telephones and take messages.

· Care for flowers and plants.

· Crush ice for use by therapists

· Fax information for social workers

· Copy and post daily schedules

· Visit clients at bedside; read newspapers and books to clients according to their interests.

· Write letters for clients.

· Run errands for nurses to Pharmacy, Lab, etc.

· Transport clients to and from x-ray, therapy, or dining room with permission of nurse.

· Assist with stocking, cleaning and straightening of the unit.

· Strip and make unoccupied beds; check for extra pillows and blankets as needed.

· Visit each client. Take your time with each client. Many clients may be lonely and could benefit from some companionship. Offer services such as:

o 'Can I get you a book or magazine to read?'

o 'Would you like a newspaper?'

o 'Can I help you with anything?'

o 'Can I get you anything?'

o If the client will be discharged today, offer to help the client gather his or her items together.

Do: Report to Nursing Coordinator Check with the Nursing Coordinator before doing an activity you have not been instructed in. Wash hands, or use the alcohol-based cleanser, before and after contact with clients. Be conscientious; let the Volunteer Coordinator know if you must be absent. Be aware of any clients who may be an elopement risk. Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times. Respect confidentiality.

Do Not: Handle any kind of specimens - including taking specimens to or from the lab. Give food or drink without approval from the client's nurse. Lift a client. Administer medications. Adjust traction. Handle bedpans or urinals. Turn a client in the bed or remove a client from the bed. Change linen on occupied beds. Deliver food trays. Exchange food items on clients' trays. Operate or adjust equipment including raising or lowering bed. Accept or chart orders or medical instructions for clients. Handle narcotics. Obtain client's signature for treatment. Witness permits or legal documents. Perform any function involving access to confidential information regarding the client's condition.