Unit Support Associate - CICU

Children's National Hospital; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's National Hospital is offering a full-time night shift role where you will support patient care directly under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Your responsibilities will include patient observation, ensuring patient safety, and maintaining a clean environment.

The role requires a High School Diploma or GED and Basic Life Support certification. Preferred qualifications include pediatric experience and basic computer skills as you assist with daily living activities and effective communication with the nursing staff.

Qualifications

• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification required.
• Previous pediatric or child care experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Engage patient in distracting, age-appropriate behavior.
• Maintain environmental safety and cleanliness.

Skills

Patient observation

Basic computer skills

Knowledge of child development

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Functional Accountabilities

Full‑time night shift position supporting patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Primary duties include direct 1:1 patient observation, maintaining patient safety, supporting daily living activities, and ensuring smooth unit operations.

Responsibilities

Maintain Patient Safety

• Maintain environmental safety through room sweep and checklist
• Adhere to principles of pediatric safety using handrails, seat belts, and direct observation
• Never leave patient unattended
• Intervene quickly to calm, redirect, or reorient patient to prevent harm
• Remain in patient room unless relieved by nurse or another associate
• Accompany patient for any procedures off the unit

Meet/Satisfy Patient Needs

• Engage patient in distracting, age‑appropriate goal‑oriented behavior, providing activities and conversations in coordination with bedside RN
• Reinforce positive behavior
• Assist with linen changes and room stocking
• Assist in activities of daily living (washing, toileting, position changes, meal assistance)
• Maintain universal precautions
• Assist with providing breaks as directed by Charge Nurse

Maintain a Clean and Safe Environment

• Keep room clean and tidy
• Maintain a calm environment
• Stock unit, nurse servers, carts, etc. when not responsible for direct observation
• Monitor common unit areas for cleanliness, stock levels, and supplies
• Report safety hazards to staff (e.g., broken furniture or equipment)
• Assist in various unit support activities as directed by Charge Nurse

Effective Communication With Other Staff

• Report pertinent patient information and call for assistance if destructive behaviors develop
• Establish priorities with RN and communicate with team members
• Maintain regular communication with RN regarding duties and patient behavior; perform activities within prescribed scope and seek clarification when needed
• Immediately report escalating behaviors to RN
• Consult RN when confronted with unfamiliar patient care issues
• Ensure information sharing when handing off to new safety attendant

Minimum Education

• High School Diploma or GED (Required)

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS) (Required)

Required Skills & Knowledge

• Previous pediatric or child care experience (Preferred)
• Basic computer skills (Preferred)
• Knowledge of child development (Preferred)