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Unit Helper Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Travel Nurse RN - Neuro ICU

Boston, MA · On-site

$2.2K - $3.1K/wk

Seven Healthcare is seeking a travel nurse RN Neuro ICU for a travel nursing job in Boston ... team is here to help. With more than ten years of experience placing exceptional staff with ...

New

Travel Nurse RN - Med Surg

Burlington, MA · On-site

$2.1K - $2.9K/wk

If you are seeking an exciting new chapter in your healthcare career, our multi-award-winning team is here to help. With more than ten years of experience placing exceptional staff with employers ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Unit Helper information

What is a unit helper?

Unit Helpers are support staff in healthcare facilities who assist nurses and other medical personnel with non-clinical tasks. Their duties typically include transporting patients, delivering supplies, stocking equipment, and maintaining cleanliness in patient care areas. While they do not provide direct medical care, Unit Helpers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of hospital units. Their support allows clinical staff to focus on patient care and improves the overall efficiency of healthcare services.

What are the typical responsibilities of a unit helper in a hospital setting?

As a Unit Helper in a hospital, your daily tasks often include assisting nursing staff with non-clinical duties such as transporting patients, delivering supplies, maintaining clean environments, and supporting patient comfort. You may also help with stocking medical carts, restocking linens, and ensuring equipment is readily available. Collaboration with nurses, housekeeping, and other support staff is key to ensuring smooth operations and a positive patient experience. This role offers valuable exposure to healthcare workflows and can be a stepping stone to more advanced positions within the hospital.

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

To thrive as a Unit Helper, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hospital sanitation protocols, basic medical equipment, and inventory management systems is often required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for supporting clinical staff and maintaining a safe environment. These skills ensure efficient unit operations, patient safety, and smooth workflow in healthcare settings.

What is the difference between Unit Helper vs Nursing Assistant?

AspectUnit HelperNursing Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or GED; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, long-term care facilities, clinicsHospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare settings for basic support rolesStandard role in patient care, often with more direct patient interaction
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry-level healthcare support rolesCompared for roles with more direct patient care responsibilities

The main difference between a Unit Helper and a Nursing Assistant lies in their responsibilities and required certifications. Unit Helpers typically perform basic support tasks without requiring formal certification, while Nursing Assistants have more direct patient care duties and often need certification. Both roles are essential in healthcare settings, but Nursing Assistants usually have a broader scope of practice and more patient interaction.

How to become a unit helper?

To become a unit helper, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and good communication skills. Some positions may require basic knowledge of medical or caregiving procedures, and on-the-job training is often provided. Volunteering or previous experience in healthcare settings can also improve your chances.

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

The most popular types of Unit jobs in Massachusetts are:

What job categories do people searching Unit Helper jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Unit Helper jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Unit Helper jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Unit Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Unit Helper job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

$43K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Dana-Farber Cancer Institute rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Under the direction of the Manager/ Director and as a member of the unit-based patient care team, the Unit Coordinator provides essential administrative and coordination support to ensure the efficient, safe, and patient-centered operation of the unit. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering unit phones; scheduling patient tests and appointments; maintaining and managing medical records; coordinating patient discharges; and preparing diet sheets. The Unit Coordinator serves as a key point of contact for patients, families, and visitors by greeting and receiving them, responding to inquiries and needs, and facilitating communication among interdisciplinary team members. The role requires a proactive approach to supporting unit workflow, patient experience, and overall operational effectiveness. This role is expected to align with and actively support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s mission, vision, and core values of Impact, Excellence, Compassion & Respect, Discovery, and Inclusion in all aspects of its work.
At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, nursing is a profession of innovation, compassion, and excellence, recognized nationally with Magnet designation for outstanding practice and patient care. As part of our new clinical collaboration, you’ll deliver inpatient oncology care at Mount Auburn Hospital, backed by Dana-Farber’s expertise, resources, and supportive team culture. This is a chance to make a meaningful impact, work alongside top clinicians, and help shape the future of cancer care, including opportunities in our upcoming freestanding adult inpatient cancer hospital.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
 

Shift: 8A -8P

Schedule: 36 hours per week, with rotating weekends

This position is eligible for full-time benefits

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for ensuring that the patient and family members are attended to in a caring and attentive manner.
• Respond to the needs of the patient/family members in a timely manner and always maintain a professional and friendly demeanor.
• Work cohesively as a member of the Patient Care Team and will take a proactive role in
ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the unit.
• Responsible for greeting all patients and families, providing a complete unit orientation, and responding to initial questions from family members and patients.
• Maintains hospital service standards, with particular attention to personal/behavioral, staff teamwork, and patient-staff interaction guidelines.
• Responsible for answering, coordinating, and managing all phone calls to the unit. Places
pages and phone calls upon request of clinical staff.
• Responsible for scheduling all patient diagnostic tests, appointments, and consults, upon direction of the physician or RN. Arranges patient escort and transport services.
• Coordinates all logistics of patient discharge, including checking on family notification,
transportation, equipment, prescription, and follow-up appointments.
• Perform clerical duties to admit, transfer, and discharge patients. Make certain that patient record/chart, information plate, personal belongings, and requisitions accompany the patient on transfers.
• Act as a liaison and assist in problem-solving with ancillary services and all other
departments which provide services or have an effect on unit activities.
• Provides back up coverage for patient transport, including escorting discharge
patients/family.
• On a daily basis, monitors and ensures that Advance Care Directives are up to date and in the patient chart.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Computer knowledge in a Windows-based environment is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated customer service skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, visitors, and hospital personnel.
• The ability to work as a team member, promoting a caring and collegial attitude toward fellow employees.
• The ability to work under stressful conditions, adapting to the changing pace on the unit, frequent interruptions, emergencies, and critically ill patients.
• Ability to work independently, with well-developed organizational skills to prioritize tasks.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with staff through voice mail, e-mail, etc.
• Demonstration of flexibility and willingness to adapt to diverse roles as a member of the unit-based patient care team.
• Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide indirect care appropriate to the age of the patients served on the assigned unit.
• Ability to assist with the transportation of patients on and off the unit.
• Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide indirect care appropriate to the age of the patients served on the assigned unit.

Minimum Job Qualifications:

High School Diploma or equivalent required.  Associate's degree preferred.  No previous experience required.  1 year of experience in medical or customer service setting preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Patient Contact:

Yes

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.  

EEO Poster.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$43,200.00 - $48,700.00

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About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1947