Care Partner-Surgical Services-PACU-FT Days

About the role

The Care Partner is a support care provider who functions under the direction of the Registered Nurse. The Care Partner 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 health care providers with safe, age appropriate and culturally aware care by performing basic patient care functions; i.e. ADL's, ambulation, and vital signs. The Care Partner may require approved advanced technical training skills may be required i.e. 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. Performing clerical functions such as: retrieval of data, maintaining unit supplies, and transporting supplies/patient medications will be required. The Care Partner must be able to work in a fast-paced environment which requires multi-tasking and effective communication with the Registered Nurse and ancillary team. Must be able to perform under stressful conditions with a compassionate, respectful and service mindset. Must be able to take direction from a variety of care providers. Must be organized with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support an environment of healing or wellness for patients which includes: addressing patient needs, following the plan of care as assigned or instructed by a licensed professional; and while carrying out role responsibilities, engages the patient and family in compliance with the treatment plan.
• Effectively contribute to the plan of care or treatment based on assigned tasks and patient/family input in collaboration with the healthcare team with a focus on the care continuum.
• Consistently implement all safety interventions to minimize risk in achievement of intended outcomes.
• Protect rights and dignity of patient. Maintain confidentiality adhering to HIPAA regulations and recommended privacy procedures.
• Participate in hourly patient rounding.
• Answer telephone and call lights promptly, professionally and notify appropriate individual of need for follow-up.
• Resolve patient concerns or escalate to the charge nurse if unable to resolve patient concerns.
• Proactively offer assistance and comfort measures to patients and families.
• Present self in positive and professional manner and show sensitivity to concerns and needs of others.
• Provide patient care under the direction of the RN. Provide patient care needs (ex. hygiene, nutrition, elimination, physical comfort measures) and additional advanced skills based on unit specific requirements (ex. phlebotomy, EKG, removal of foley catheters and removal of IVs).
• Answer telephone and call lights promptly, professionally and notify appropriate individual of need for follow-up.
• Assist RN and other members of health care team with care delivery as assigned.
• Assist in direct patient admission.
• Monitor data entry for key patient safety information.
• Participate in charge reconciliation.
• Perform audits as requested.
• Support initiatives of the Health care team. Participate in unit performance improvement initiatives. Support professional nursing practice through shared leadership, evidenced-based practice and ethical accountability.
• Transports unit supplies, patient care supplies, medications and equipment as assigned.
• Practice accountability.
• Use effective written and oral communication skills with patients, staff, physicians, family and visitors, i.e. AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explain, Thank you).
• Use safety communication techniques, i.e. 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 EMR (Electronic Medical Record).
• 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 healthcare team, patients and families.
• Maintain equipment i.e. blood pressure machines, glucometers, and other patient care equipment. When devices are not properly working sequester, tag, and report to appropriate personnel.
• Communicate with patient and updates white boards with information.
• Knowledgeable, maintain, and act as unit expert regarding patient care documentation tools related to their role in the event of downtime.
• Provide a safe environment for the provision of patient care. Consistent use of proper hand hygiene. Keep patient rooms and unit areas clean and free of clutter.
• Follow appropriate PPE/Infection control policies in between patient care and equipment usage. Reinforce the importance of universal precautions with patient and patients family.
• Utilize proper body mechanics, patient safe handling devices (i.e. lifts, transfer equipment, etc.), and additional assistive devices (i.e. walkers, gait belts).
• Perform environment of care rounds.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.

Qualifications

• Rising Senior in Good Standing or High School Diploma / GED (Preferred)
• Graduation from a State approved program for Certified Nursing Assistants or Patient Care Tech Program (Upon Hire Preferred)

Certifications

• BLS - Basic Life Support (required upon hire) or ARC-BLS - Amer Red Cross Basic Life Support or BLS-I - Basic Life Support - Instructor

Skills

• Ability to follow detailed directions.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Clear verbal and written communication, specifically ability to document.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• Wellstar minimum age of hire is 16.