To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values.  These values-integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

  SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, and as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, provides patient centered care based upon respect for patients preferences, values and needs. Responsibilities include but not limited to direct and indirect patient care activities which are essential in providing high quality and safe patient care consistent with an exceptional patient experience. Based on experience and training, the UAP demonstrates competence in patient-centered care, teamwork, communication and collaboration, evidence-based practice, safety and informatics. These competencies will be defined by the scope of practice and requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes. Patient and family centered care (PFCC) at YNHH is demonstrated by working with patients and their families based on the 4 principles of PFCC: participation, dignity and respect, information sharing, and collaboration. This includes providing service excellence by creating a great "First Impression" by demonstrating exemplary customer service skills for all customer groups including patients, families/friends, physicians, staff and support department personnel. Adherers to "I Am YNHH" service excellence pledge and promotes a positive work environment.

     EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran.

1. Obtains specific components of individual and age appropriate care requirements from registered nurse
and/or licensed provider.
1.1 Demonstrates respect relative to health decisions and health care services. Collects and documents data as delegated including but not limited to vital signs, POCT, hand- offs, and is aware of results outside of normal limits. Recognizes abnormal reports and brings abnormal values to the attention of the RN and/or provider.
1.2 Integrates multiple dimensions of patient centered care such as, preferences, values, education,communication, information, comfort and support, involvement of family and transition to community. In addition, ensures privacy and discretion of patient and family.
1.3 Demonstrates patient centered care knowledge, attitudes/behavior and skills when delivering care and/or services.
1.4 Provides patient centered care with sensitivity and respect for the diversity of human experience and demonstrates caring behaviors toward patient and significant others, while recognizing own values related to the diversity of the human experience, pain management, illness, suffering and end of life care.
1.5 Advocates on behalf patients, families, all individuals.
1.6 Reports observation related to patient discomfort and pain. Communication: The ACA interacts effectively with patients, families and all health care providers and employees, fostering mutual respect to enhance the patient experience and health outcomes.

2. Utilize appropriate methods for interacting effectively and professionally with persons of all ages and from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, lifestyles and physical abilities.

2.1 Listens, effectively and professionally communicates and interacts with patients , families, and staff. Anticipates potential issues or concerns and addresses as appropriate and/or escalates up the chain of command.

2.2 Demonstrates knowledge of effective skills for communicating and resolving conflict.

2.3 Uses standardized communication methods to hand-off care within and across all settings Acknowledges patient and family feedback and communicate with team as well as participate in opportunities to improve future patient experience.

2.4 Team Collaboration: The ACA functions effectively within nursing and interdisciplinary teams, demonstrating open communication, mutual respect, team learning and development.

3. Demonstrates self-awareness, recognizes limitations and communicates concerns to appropriate team members.

3.1 Functions competently within assigned areas

3.2 Offers assistance to team members when appropriate. Works together with all members of the team to get the work done; focusing on the patient, and to enhance the patient/family experience.

3.3 Attends and actively participates in staff meetings. Quality and Safety / Efficient delivery of Care: The ACA minimizes risk of harm to patients and providers through effective individual and team performance. Practices behaviors specific to High reliability organizations (HRO) i.e. CHAMP behavior.

4. Demonstrates effective use of equipment that support quality and safe patient care. Communicates observations and concerns related to hazards involving patients, families, and or health care team to appropriate personnel.
4.1 Uses established organizational policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure patient and staff safety.
4.2 Participates in unit, service-line, organizational committees or task forces to improve quality and safety of care delivery.
4.3 Informatics: The ACA uses information and technology to communicate information , mitigate error, and support team decision making.

EDUCATION
A minimum of a high school diploma or GED. Graduated from an approved, accredited, postsecondary Medical Assisting Program, Nursing Assistant Program, or Patient Care Associate Training

EXPERIENCE
1-3 years experience in Ambulatory preferred, 3-5 experience as an ACA, PCA, CNA or MA. BLS certification.
Strong Customer Service, HRO/CHAMP behaviors, Microsoft, Excel & EMR experience preferred.

SPECIAL SKILLS:
Able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds. Ability to perform tasks of physical endurance and dexterity as required by placement. Consistent use of proper body mechanics. 

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:
Preferred current medical assisting credential (certifications or registration) acceptable to, and recognized by, the Connecticut Department of Public Health.