Care Partner- Orthopedics, Neuro, Surgical, & Trauma-FT Nights

About the Role

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

The Care Partner assists with 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. Additional advanced skills may be needed to support clinical care, depending on unit requirements.

The role includes performing clerical functions such as data retrieval, maintaining unit supplies, and transporting supplies or patient medications. The Care Partner must work effectively in a fast-paced environment, multitask, and communicate clearly with the Registered Nurse and ancillary team.

Responsibilities

• Excellence in Patient Experience:
  • Partner with the healthcare team, patient, and family to support healing and wellness.
  • Follow the plan of care as assigned or instructed by a licensed professional.
  • Engage patients and families in compliance with the treatment plan.
  • Implement safety interventions to minimize risk and achieve intended outcomes.
  • Protect patient rights, dignity, and confidentiality (HIPAA compliance).
  • Participate in hourly patient rounding.
  • Answer telephones and call lights promptly; resolve or escalate patient concerns.
  • Proactively offer assistance and comfort measures to patients and families.
• Patient-Centered Care:
  • Provide patient care under the direction of the RN, including hygiene, nutrition, elimination, and physical comfort measures.
  • Perform advanced skills based on unit requirements (e.g., phlebotomy, EKG, removal of Foley catheters, IVs).
  • Assist with direct patient admissions and monitor data entry for key patient safety information.
  • Participate in charge reconciliation and perform audits as requested.
• Teamwork:
  • Support initiatives of the healthcare team and participate in unit performance improvement.
  • Transport unit supplies, patient care supplies, medications, and equipment as assigned.
  • Practice accountability and ethical responsibility.
• Communication:
  • Use effective written and oral communication with patients, staff, physicians, families, and visitors (e.g., AIDET: Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explain, Thank you).
  • Apply safety communication techniques (e.g., ARRC: Ask a question, Request a change, Voice a concern, use chain of command).
  • Document patient care in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
  • Communicate patient care concerns or emergencies to the RN or Charge Nurse in real time.
  • Maintain equipment (e.g., blood pressure machines, glucometers) and report malfunctions.
  • Update whiteboards with patient information and act as unit expert for documentation tools during downtime.
• Safety and Infection Control:
  • Provide a safe environment for patient care, including proper hand hygiene and infection control practices.
  • Maintain clean and clutter-free patient rooms and unit areas.
  • Follow PPE and infection control policies between patient care and equipment usage.
  • Reinforce universal precautions with patients and families.
  • Utilize proper body mechanics, patient-safe handling devices (e.g., lifts, transfer equipment), and 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

• Education:
  • Rising senior in good standing in a related field or high school diploma/GED (preferred).
• Certifications:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification upon hire (American Red Cross or equivalent).
  • Graduation from a State-approved program for Certified Nursing Assistants or Patient Care Tech Program (preferred).
• Skills:
  • Ability to follow detailed directions and work individually or as part of a team.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
  • Ability to document care accurately.

Wellstar minimum age of hire is 16.

Schedule

Night shift (United States of America).