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Unit Assistant Jobs in Grimes, IA (NOW HIRING)

No weekends required. 32hours/week The Health Unit Assistant (HUA) provides essential administrative and clerical support to ensure smooth operations within a healthcare unit. This position requires ...

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Unit Assistant information

See Grimes, IA salary details

$8

$19

$30

How much do unit assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for unit assistant in Grimes, IA is $19.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $20.87 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.

What do you need to be a unit assistant?

To be a unit assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to handle administrative tasks. Some positions may require familiarity with office software and the ability to work in a team environment.

What cities near Grimes, IA are hiring for Unit Assistant jobs?

Cities near Grimes, IA with the most Unit Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Unit Assistant job openings in Grimes, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,577 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Health Unit Assistant

UnityPoint Health

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Shift: Night shift; 11p-7:30a Monday through Thursday nights. Holiday rotation. No weekends required. 32hours/week

The Health Unit Assistant (HUA) provides essential administrative and clerical support to ensure smooth operations within a healthcare unit. This position requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. The HUA serves as a central point of contact for staff, patients, families, and other departments, assisting with administrative functions, patient flow, and assisting with unit activities. 


At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:   

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.


  • Welcome and assist patients, visitors, and staff with professionalism and courtesy.  
  • Answer and direct phone calls and unit communications promptly and accurately.  
  • Manage multiple tasks and requests efficiently while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.  
  • Update and maintain patient records in the electronic health record (EHR) system in accordance with documentation and privacy standards.  
  • Support patient flow by coordinating admissions, transfers, and discharges in collaboration with nursing and admitting staff.  
  • Assist with scheduling diagnostic tests, procedures, and follow-up appointments as directed.  
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with multidisciplinary team members to support patient care and safety.  
  • Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and maintain a professional demeanor at all times.  
  • Assists with orienting new staff to the role  
  • Maintain office equipment and supplies as directed. 
  • Perform additional clerical and support duties as assigned. 

Education: High school graduate or equivalent.
Experience: 1 year of previous clerical, customer service or other experience in healthcare setting required.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English. Multicultural sensitivity. Microsoft Office – basic computer skills. Customer/patient focused.


What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995