Patient Safety Assistant

WellSpan Health · Gettysburg, PA · Yesterday

ManufacturingPart-time

About the role

This non-clinical role protects patients who are impulsive and at risk for falls, at risk for pulling out IV lines/tubes, require behavioral management, and/or present a risk due to psychiatric illnesses. The aide prevents falls, deters impulsive behaviors, prevents injury or escape, and provides de-escalation of patient behaviors. Responsibilities include simple assistance such as ambulation, simple toileting, repositioning, and assistance with feeding/fluids, as well as therapeutic communication and activities to distract, occupy, and develop a positive supportive rapport with patients. The aide remains with the assigned patient at all times during their shift except when relieved by staff for breaks, remaining alert and observant. Patient observation may be performed virtually through video monitoring or by direct bedside observation based on hospital policy and patient criteria. The role also involves transporting patients as needed.

Responsibilities

Maintains patient safety by preventing falls and injury due to impulsiveness.
Maintains behavioral health patient safety.
Provides one-on-one observation for high-risk elopement patients, patients requiring behavioral management, suicidal patients, or any other patient requiring one-on-one observation.
Accompanies patients during transport and escorts patients as required.
Obtains verbal report from the patient’s nurse to include information regarding the patient’s identified care needs to work collaboratively with the care team.
Applies principles of caring and healing in interactions with patients, families, and colleagues.
Provides for patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction by maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
Provides simple assistance such as ambulation, simple toileting, repositioning, and assistance with feeding/fluids.
Supports caregivers to maintain the flow of patient care efficiently.
Maintains the patient environment in a safe and orderly manner.
Constant, direct visualization of the patient is required throughout the assignment. The sitter should be positioned to respond quickly to the patient’s needs and safety.
Must be present and mindful of the patient and environment at all times.
Observes the patient’s activity and behavior, defuses situations, and communicates regularly with the nurse. Reports any pertinent observations to the RN.
Engages patients in therapeutic communication and activities to distract, occupy, and develop a therapeutic rapport.
Participates in the provision of diversional activities such as playing cards, board games, and therapeutic communication.
Communicates in a professional manner and demonstrates respect for patients, families/significant others, and members of the healthcare team.
Offers support and feedback to peers and staff.
Responds promptly and appropriately to crises or emergencies.
Utilizes principles of Milieu and Behavior Management Training (MBMT) in managing high-risk situations.
Documents required information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
May be assigned to observe patients in isolation and will be required to don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) according to WellSpan policy.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED required.
No prior experience required.
Basic Life Support certification required upon hire.
Completion of the following training courses upon hire:
- Behavioral Health Training Packet (LMS)
- Sitter guidelines for safety 1:1 (LMS)
- High Risk Observation (LMS)
- Patient care assistant/sitter Epic training
- De-escalation class (8-hour class)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Good customer service skills.
Excellent communication skills and de-escalation skills.

Physical Demands