Patient Safety Assistant Float

About the role

The Patient Safety Assistant (PSA) provides constant observation and support to pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients who require close monitoring due to medical, behavioral, or safety reasons. Working under the direction of an RN, the PSA ensures patient safety and comfort while adhering to established protocols and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous monitoring by maintaining constant visual observation of an assigned patient to ensure safety and well-being.
• Remain alert to changes in patient behavior or condition and promptly report concerns to nursing staff or the healthcare team.
• Conduct room checks to remove potential harmful items from the patient’s room.
• Assist with activities of daily living, such as ambulation, toileting, and meal assistance, as needed.
• Interact with patients of all ages, backgrounds, and conditions using a polite, therapeutic, and positive approach to alleviate anxiety, boredom, or distress.
• Demonstrate and validate adherence to quality and safety standards as measured in competency assessments.
• Accurately document observations, interventions, and patient responses in the medical record.
• Follow safety measures and interventions, such as de-escalation strategies and room safety protocols, while maintaining patient dignity and respect.
• Travel and work in various St. Charles Hospitals and nursing departments as needed.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all activities.
• Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, supporting the health system’s corporate integrity efforts.
• Deliver customer service and patient care in a timely, safe, efficient, and accurate manner.
• Support the organization’s vision, mission, and values, as well as lean principles of continuous improvement.
• Provide a therapeutic presence by responding to patient and family needs with care, active listening, and effective communication.
• Maintain a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests.
• Perform additional duties such as stocking unit supplies, assisting with patient mobility, preparing patients for discharge, and transporting discharged patients within the facility.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Willingness to take additional courses as required for the position.
• AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification (required prior to completion of orientation).

Preferred Qualifications

• Current licensure/certification as a CNA, EMT, or Medical Assistant.
• Completion of a training program: EMT, CNA, MA, Paramedic, or RN student (completion of 1st quarter/semester of nursing school).
• Acute healthcare, behavioral health, long-term care, or licensed childcare experience.