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Unit Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Manage staffing, scheduling, and employee performance within the unit. * Assist with admissions, discharges, and care transitions as needed. * Participate in surveys, audits, and quality improvement ...

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Unit Assistant information

See Tennessee salary details

$7

$17

$27

How much do unit assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for unit assistant in Tennessee is $17.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a unit assistant?

Unit Assistants are support staff who work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or nursing facilities. They assist nurses and other medical professionals by performing administrative and clerical tasks, maintaining patient records, answering phones, and helping with patient admissions and discharges. Their role is essential in ensuring smooth operations within a healthcare unit, allowing medical staff to focus on patient care. Unit Assistants often serve as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers, contributing to efficient communication and organization.

What does a unit assistant do?

Unit Assistants play a vital role in supporting both clinical staff and patients by managing administrative tasks, such as maintaining patient records, answering phones, and coordinating communication between departments. They may also help with scheduling, ordering supplies, and ensuring that patient rooms are properly stocked and organized. Their work helps streamline operations on the unit, allowing nurses and other medical professionals to focus more on patient care. Collaboration and adaptability are important, as Unit Assistants often respond to changing priorities and work closely with a multidisciplinary team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a unit assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Unit Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hospital information systems, scheduling software, and basic office equipment is commonly required. Excellent interpersonal skills, reliability, and the ability to multitask help Unit Assistants excel in busy healthcare environments. These competencies ensure smooth unit operations, effective communication between staff and patients, and support overall patient care.

What is the difference between Unit Assistant vs Nurse Aide?

AspectUnit AssistantNurse Aide
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or GED; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare facilities, hospitalsLong-term care, hospitals, nursing homes
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level healthcare rolesMore clinical, patient care-focused

The main difference between a Unit Assistant and a Nurse Aide lies in their responsibilities and certifications. Unit Assistants handle administrative tasks and support staff, while Nurse Aides provide direct patient care. Both roles work in healthcare settings, but Nurse Aides typically require certification and clinical skills, whereas Unit Assistants focus more on clerical duties.

How do you become a unit assistant?

To become a unit assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and strong organizational and communication skills. Relevant experience in healthcare or administrative roles can be beneficial, and some positions may require certification in basic life support or medical terminology. On-the-job training is often provided, and familiarity with medical records and office software is advantageous.

What are the most commonly searched types of Unit jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Unit jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Unit Assistant jobs in Tennessee?

For Unit Assistant jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Unit Assistant jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Unit Assistant jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Unit Assistant jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Unit Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Unit Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,366 per year, or $18 per hour.

Care Partner - Adult Medicine Stepdown Unit FT Days 06:45 - 19:15

Vanderbilt Health

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Vanderbilt University Medical Center rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 253 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community ofindividuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniquenessis sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt's mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

Organization:

14MCJCHV Cohort 40

Job Summary:

Assist with the delivery of patient care and maintenance of unit environmental standards under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

.

**All Candidates must attach an up-to-date resume to their application. Please see below. **

We are seeking compassionate, patient-focused Care Partners (Nursing Assistants) who are experienced and comfortable providing hands-on care and supporting clinical procedures, including venipuncture/blood draws, Foley catheter care, specimen collection, and other bedside patient care responsibilities.

Why Vanderbilt Health?

Located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University Medical Center is more than a workplace-it's a community driven by a shared mission: to advance health and wellness through world-class patient care, education, and research.

Here, you'll find:

  • Purpose: Every role contributes to something bigger than yourself.
  • Growth: Your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged.
  • Belonging: We celebrate individuality and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

If you're passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team that never settles for "good enough," Vanderbilt is the place for you.

Your Schedule:

  • Full-Time Day Shift - 6:45 am - 7:15 pm (three 12-hour shifts/week)
  • Shifts rotate throughout the week
  • Note: Set schedules are not available. Schedules are determined by unit clinical staffing needs.

What You Need to Qualify:

Required:

  • High School Diploma or GED (or equivalent experience) AND one of the following:
  • Current enrollment in a professional nursing RN program with successful completion of the first semester (including nursing fundamentals clinical), or
  • Graduation from a Nursing Assistant or Aide Training Program within the past year (certificate of completion required), or
  • Minimum of one year of recent experience (within the past two years) as a care partner, nursing assistant, or patient care technician.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • One year of previous experience in a hospital setting
  • Flexible availability
  • Professionalism and reliability
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • High emotional intelligence

Why You'll Love Working Here

  • Be part of a nationally recognized medical center.
  • Work alongside passionate professionals who care deeply about patients and each other.
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement within a supportive environment.

Ready to Apply?

  • Current Vanderbilt employees: Apply via the internal job board in Workday. Search for "internal jobs", enter your work information manually and upload your resume.
  • All Candidates: Upload a current resume and ensure that it meets the following:
    • Is current and includes all patient care positions held (experience cannot be credited for positions not listed)
    • Includes start and end dates (month and year) for each position
    • Is listed in chronological order (most recent position first)
    • Clearly outlines job responsibilities and patient care skills utilized
    • Identifies the hospital units worked on, if applicable
    • Includes all clinical rotation information for nursing students
    • Is submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format (screenshots cannot be accepted)

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist with the delivery of patient care and maintenance of unit environmental standards under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

  • Assists with day-to-day delivery of patient care.

  • Facilitates efficient and safe patient care and flow by following work area standards.

  • Serves as a liaison for communication and education of patient and family needs.

  • Supports unit operations and patient flow by maintaining supplies, equipment, and unit environmental standards.

  • The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.

Technical Capabilities:

  • CLINICAL COMPETENCIES (Novice): Demonstrates competence with interventions (such as point of care testing, vital signs, etc.) in practical applications of moderate difficulty.

  • CARE PARTNER PATIENT DOCUMENTATION (Novice): Independently works with clinical applications for patient documentation.

  • ENVIRONMENT OF CARE (Novice): Demonstrates ability to set up and maintain patient rooms, supplies, and equipment. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully delivering environment of care services while requiring some support and instruction from others. Able to train and educate peers by setting the example, giving technical support, providing leadership, and generally elevating the level of performance of others while on the job. Models CREDO behaviors.

  • PLANNING & ORGANIZING (Novice): Demonstrates ability to anticipate basic resource needs, identify discrete tasks, participates in goal setting, define dependencies, schedule activities, meet deadlines, and organize work for own assignments and responsibilities. Appropriately matches equipment, and capital resources to task demands. Prepares and presents clear and accurate status reports on patient care assignments. Address problems and obstacles before they arise. Adapt to changes in major assignments while maintaining expectations. Understands and identifies with the basic goals and values of the organization.

Our clinical and nursing support roles are at the center of all we do, helping us be the world leader in advancing personalized health. We support each other and encourage excellence among all who are part of our workforce. High-achieving employees stay at Vanderbilt Health for professional growth, appreciation of benefits, and a sense of community and purpose. We support each other and encourage excellence among all who are part of our workforce.

    Core Accountabilities:

    * Organizational Impact: Performs tasks that are typically routine that may impact team's performance with occasional guidance. * Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Utilizes some discretion and research to solve routine problems. * Breadth of Knowledge: Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job. * Team Interaction: Provides guidance to entry level co-workers.

    Core Capabilities :

    Supporting Colleagues : Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues' priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas.- Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service.- Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively : - Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation : - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them. - Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.

    Position Qualifications:

    Responsibilities:

    Certifications:

    Work Experience:

    Relevant Work Experience

    Experience Level:

    Less than 1 year

    Education:

    High School Diploma or GED (Required)

    This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which mayinclude health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

    Vanderbilt Health is committed tofosteringan environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.


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