Care Partner-MedSurg Acute Care/Post Surgical/Burn/Bariatric-Unit-FT Days

How would you like to work in a place where your contributions and ideas are valued? A place where you can serve with compassion, pursue excellence and honor every voice? At Wellstar, our mission is simple, yet powerful: to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve. We are proud to have become a shining example of what's possible when the brightest professionals dedicate themselves to making a difference in the healthcare industry, and in people's lives.

About the Role

The Care Partner is a support care provider who functions under the direction of the Registered Nurse. The primary focus will be to promote a positive patient experience by partnering with the nurse, physician, healthcare team, and other healthcare providers to provide excellence in patient experience and assist with daily living activities and comfort measures.

The Care Partner assists other healthcare providers with safe, age-appropriate, and culturally aware care by performing basic patient care functions such as ADLs, ambulation, and vital signs. Approved advanced technical training skills may be required, including phlebotomy, simple treatments, dressing changes, oral suctioning, and discontinuing Foley catheters. Performing additional advanced skills may be required to support clinical care and will fluctuate depending on the needs of the unit.

The Care Partner must be able to work in a fast-paced environment which requires multitasking and effective communication with the Registered Nurse and ancillary team. Must perform under stressful conditions with a compassionate, respectful, and service-oriented mindset, take direction from a variety of care providers, and demonstrate organization with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Excellence in Patient Experience: Partner with the healthcare team, patient, and family.
  • Engage the patient and family in compliance with the treatment plan as assigned or instructed by a licensed professional.
  • Contribute effectively to the plan of care or treatment based on assigned tasks and patient/family input in collaboration with the healthcare team.
  • Implement all safety interventions to minimize risk and achieve intended outcomes.
  • Protect patient rights and dignity, maintaining confidentiality and adhering to HIPAA regulations.
  • Participate in hourly patient rounding.
  • Answer telephone and call lights promptly, professionally, and notify the appropriate individual for follow-up.
  • Resolve patient concerns or escalate to the charge nurse if unable to resolve.
  • Proactively offer assistance and comfort measures to patients and families.
  • Present self in a positive and professional manner, showing sensitivity to concerns and needs of others.
• Patient-Centered Care: Provide patient care under the direction of the RN.
  • Address patient care needs (e.g., hygiene, nutrition, elimination, physical comfort measures) and perform advanced skills based on unit-specific requirements (e.g., phlebotomy, EKG, removal of Foley catheters, and removal of IVs).
  • Assist the RN and other members of the healthcare team with care delivery as assigned.
  • Assist in direct patient admission.
  • Monitor data entry for key patient safety information and participate in charge reconciliation.
  • Perform audits as requested.
• Teamwork: Support initiatives of the healthcare team.
  • Participate in unit performance improvement initiatives.
  • Support professional nursing practice through shared leadership, evidence-based practice, and ethical accountability.
  • Transport unit supplies, patient care supplies, medications, and equipment as assigned.
  • Practice accountability.
• Communication:
  • Use effective written and oral communication skills with patients, staff, physicians, family, and visitors (e.g., AIDET: Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explain, Thank you).
  • Use safety communication techniques (e.g., Ask a question, Request a change, Voice a concern, Use chain of command when necessary - ARRC).
  • Communicate completion of assignment/duties to RN or Charge Nurse.
  • Document completion of patient care in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
  • Communicate patient care concerns/problems/emergencies to the RN or Charge Nurse in a timely manner (real-time communication is required).
  • Use positive and respectful communication with all members of the healthcare team, patients, and families.
  • Maintain equipment (e.g., blood pressure machines, glucometers, and other patient care equipment). If devices are not working properly, sequester, tag, and report to appropriate personnel.
  • Communicate with patients and update whiteboards with information.
  • Maintain knowledge of and act as unit expert regarding patient care documentation tools related to their role in the event of downtime.
• Safety and Infection Control: Provide a safe environment for patient care.
  • Consistently use proper hand hygiene.
  • Keep patient rooms and unit areas clean and free of clutter.
  • Follow appropriate PPE/Infection control policies between patient care and equipment usage.
  • Reinforce the importance of universal precautions with patients and their families.
  • Utilize proper body mechanics, patient-safe handling devices (e.g., lifts, transfer equipment), and additional assistive devices (e.g., walkers, gait belts).
  • Perform environment of care rounds.
• Perform other duties as assigned and comply with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.

Requirements

• Rising senior in good standing in a related field or high school diploma/GED (preferred).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or equivalent (e.g., American Red Cross BLS, BLS-Instructor) upon hire.
• Graduation from a State-approved program for Certified Nursing Assistants or Patient Care Tech Program (preferred).

Skills

• Ability to follow detailed directions.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Clear verbal and written communication, including documentation ability.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.

Wellstar minimum age of hire is 16.