Wound Care Technician

Major Responsibilities:

• Assisting in Delivery of Patient Care (A and B 40%)
  •     2)Cleans booth after treatment following proper infection control procedures
  •     3)Obtains heart rate, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, height, weight of patient.
  •     4)Prepares equipment trays with appropriate supplies for wound care dressing changes.
  •     5)Sets up treatment booths for specific procedures
  •     6)Communicates with patients, team members, and other professionals for the purpose of sharing information that will assist in achieving optimum care for the patient. Establishes effective rapport with patients of all ages.
  •     7)Communicates potential patient problems or observations of change in patient behavior to the attending therapist/nurse/physician.
  •     8)Refers all patient related questions to the appropriate therapist/nurse/physician regarding patient status or change in orders.
  •     1)Administers direct patient care related activities and assists a licensed physical therapist following demonstration of competency in each area, including: (a) pulsed lavage set up , (b) US MIST set up, (c) VAC sterile tray set up, (d) LVAD sterile tray set up, (e) Total Contact Cast set up.
  •     9)Consistently offers to make the patient as comfortable as possible by offering blankets, pillows etc.
  •     10)Sets up sterile tray for physician procedures.
• Transfer and Transport of Patients: Transfers patients to and from Rehab department for wound care services.
  •     1)Routinely checks the patient armband or date of birth to verify the correct patient.
  •     2)Ensures that the patient is transported with all necessary items.
  •     3)Ensures that the privacy of the patient is properly protected.
  •     4)Accompanies patients at all times and does not leave the patient until they are handed off to another associate.
  •     5)Communicates patient’s needs and/or problems related to the patient’s condition to the therapist/nurse/physician.
  •     6)Demonstrates safe body mechanics during functional mobility tasks (e.g. bed mobility, transfers) under the supervision of a licensed clinician and/or designated health care provider
  •     7)Tech is responsible to perform transfers without assist or supervision for minimal assist to independent patients.
  •     8)Tech to assist with performing transfers with patients at a moderate to dependent level.
  •     9)Techs to communicate with therapist/nurse regarding the medical and transfer status of each patient prior to performing or assisting with patient transfers.
• Daily Operations
  •     1)Performs daily sanitation of wound care area. Cleans equipment, tables, podiatric chairs, therapeutic equipment (modality units), dressing trays/carts and other areas of patient contact. Puts all supplies away in appropriate area. Transports equipment to and from sterile processing.
  •     2)Maintains adequate supplies for patient treatment including: stocking dressing carts, wash cloths/linen, chucks, filling saline bottles, stocking warmer with blankets and saline.
  •     3)Ensures timely and accurate processing of orders for unit and equipment upkeep and repair.
  •     4)Promotes patient safety by reporting issues through established channels and participates in safety initiatives as requested
  •     5)Participates in the continuous quality improvement projects.
  •     6)Follows appropriate safety and infection control measures pertaining to patient care, equipment and the general working environment. Promptly reports any problems to immediate supervisor
  •     7)Actively participates in departmental meetings, in-services and continuing education programs.
  •     8)Complies with organizational and departmental patient satisfaction initiatives. Routinely meets the needs and expectations of patients and families.
  •     9)Notifies appropriate personnel of equipment malfunctions, and follows through with appropriate repair procedures.
  •     10)Upholds the policies and procedures of Advocate Health Care/Advocate Christ Medical Center; completes competencies in a timely manner.
• Performance of Patient Reception Services in Support of Departmental Activities
  •     1)Greets, acknowledges and assists patients and family members in a professional and welcoming manner.
  •     2)Answers phones and takes messages or redirects calls appropriately using the appropriate scripting.
  •     3)Assures patient and patient family member’s confidential information is handled according to the established guidelines, policies and procedures.
  •     4)Directs and escorts patients to service areas if required.
  •     5)Assists patients and patient family members in obtaining appropriate and accurate personal and medical information within the scheduling and registration process.
  •     6)Promote increased utilization of ACMC services by maintaining customer focused behavior and responses.
  •     7)Assist in contacting and rescheduling patients in the case of a therapist call in or change or schedule.
• Performs Patient Interviews either in person and/or by telephone, to obtain and document patient demographic and medical coverage information within registration area and processes order for rehabilitation services
  •     1)Assures patient information is accurate via review of patient identification materials, insurance card/insurance policy materials.
  •     2)Compares and verifies provided patient information with system patient information.
  •     3)Assures all patient information is accurately and correctly entered into the patient information system according to established policies and procedures.
  •     4)Assures that all required information for “clean claim” billing is accurately entered into the system.
  •     5)Assures that patient has physician orders and required referral for evaluation or treatment services.
  •     6)Assures that all registration policies and procedures are explained to the patient and/or patient caregiver to include referral/pre-certification policy.
  •     7)Assures that all required signatures are obtained.
  •     8)Provides materials and verbal instructions to the patient and family members on appointment hours, cancellation and scheduling procedures, cancellation policy and general services of the department.
• Assist in clerical services related to revenue capture in support of departmental services
  •     1)Monitors ongoing patient authorizations and supports clinical staff in acquisition of continued patient visits, by collaborating with physician offices and payers.
  •     2)Collaborates on claim billing with business office.
  •     3)Compiles pertinent patient information and relays required information to medical records
• Preparation and Dissemination of Correspondence
  •     1)Supports clinical staff in preparing and formatting therapy reports including evaluations, progress notes and discharges.
  •     2)Completes the end of the month re-registration process for all current wound care patients.
  •     3)Assists in preparation and maintenance of patient files.
  •     4)Evaluates the need for copies of documentation forms and completes Copy Center Forms as needed.
  •     5)Collects data and develop and/or prepare departmental reports as requested by manager.
  •     6)Compose correspondence as requested by manager.

Education/Experience Required:

• High school education or equivalent. 1-2 years experience as an aide in medical rehab. Knowledge of medical terminology is preferred. Previous computer experience is beneficial. This position will need to recognize needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated, i.e. understand normal patterns of childhood and-or adolescent behavior and look for normal signs of aging. Prior experience with various age groups is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Typing 35 words per minute, preferred. Good communications skills. Proficiency with computer input, strong keyboard skills. Ability to function in a stressful environment with a high level of empathy, tact and poise. Knowledge of general office equipment.
• CPR certification, BCLS

Physicial Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to successfully complete hospital based training for Unit Admitting Associate Ability to lift very heavy weight requirements according to Department of Labor definitions. Ability to transfer patients. Ability to perform heavy lifting and extensive walking and transporting of patient essentials. Willing to be called off based on unit demands. Required to work some weekends, holidays or evenings. Exposure to various contagious diseases, radiation, hazards associated with their use.
• This requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 08/01/2014. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.