Patient Safety Attendant Emergency Department

Posting Specifics: Benefits-eligible position in the Emergency Department at Platte Valley Hospital, Brighton, CO. Part-time night shift (24 scheduled weekly hours) with weekend and holiday requirements; shift differentials provided.

About the Role

The Patient Safety Attendant (PSA) participates in high-quality, patient-centered care by providing continuous observation and monitoring for high-risk patients. In collaboration with the patient care team, the PSA ensures the patient environment is free of obstacles and minimizes the risk of falls and accidental or intentional self-harm. The PSA may also assist with basic activities of daily living.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Maintain continuous line of sight of the patient at all times, including during bathroom use.
• Observe the patient while eating and drinking and assist as needed.
• Ensure the cleanliness and safety of the patient’s room.
• Accompany the patient to tests or procedures, remaining with them unless instructed otherwise. If asked to leave, wait outside, and return as soon as the procedure is complete.
• Identify and promptly report any changes or concerns in the patient's status to the assigned nurse.
• Report patient information and activities during hand-off with nursing present.
• Report any expression of ideas or intention to hurt self/others or desire to leave the facility Against Medical Advice (AMA) to the assigned nurse.
• Communicate with team members to ensure the patient is not left alone.
• Listen attentively if the patient wishes to converse and encourage them to share concerns with the physician or assigned nurse. Avoid giving any advice.
• Follow all Infection Control policies.
• Complete the Environmental Safety Checklist each shift and during hand-off, ensuring ligature risks are mitigated in coordination with the primary nurse.
• Consult with the nurse partner if the patient needs to be mobilized.

Additional Responsibilities for Patients With Suicidal Ideation

• Remain with the patient at all times, even if family or visitors are present.
• Ensure a continuous line of sight and provide constant one-on-one visual observation to immediately intervene if necessary.
• Ensure the environment has limited risk factors by removing all linen immediately after use and ensuring no extra linens are in the room.
• Ensure the patient is in a gown with no strings, and remove all patient clothing, shoes, jewelry, and belongings from the room, preferably sending them home with family. Secure any valuables not taken by the family.
• Do not allow visitors to give any items to the patient or bring large bags into the room; consult nursing if visitors refuse.
• Only allow electric razors, remove any unnecessary electrical cords, and ensure only plastic utensils are used for meals.
• Observe closely during meals and remove utensils immediately after use.
• Ensure all plastic trash and linen bags are removed from the room.
• Ensure windows are not opened and all sharps containers are removed.
• Remove all gloves and glove boxes.
• Ensure there are no supplies, equipment, or other devices that are sharp, metal, or plastic and could be used as ligatures or ligature-support devices.

Skills

• Patient Care
• Patient Safety
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
• Organization
• Health Care

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS-HCP) certification upon hire or obtained within 60 days of hire with prior approval.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1)+ year of experience working in a hospital setting.
• Workplace Violence Prevention Training.

Physical Requirements

• Ongoing need to see and read information, labels, assess patient needs, operate monitors, and identify equipment and supplies.
• Frequent interactions requiring verbal communication as well as hearing and understanding spoken information, alarms, needs, and issues quickly and accurately, particularly during emergency situations.
• Manual dexterity to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision and accuracy, including frequent computer use and typing for documenting patient care, accessing information, and medication preparation.
• Expected to lift and utilize full range of movement to transfer patients, including bending to retrieve, lift, and carry supplies and equipment. Items vary in weight, including heavy items.
• Need to walk and assist with transporting/ambulating patients and obtaining and distributing supplies and equipment, including pushing/pulling gurneys and portable equipment.
• Often required to navigate crowded and busy rooms (full of equipment, power cords on the floor, etc.).
• May be expected to stand in a stationary position for extended periods.
• For roles requiring driving: Expected to drive a vehicle, which requires sitting, seeing and reading signs, traffic signals, and other vehicles.

Pay

The hourly range for this position is $19.29 - $23.92, dependent upon experience.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package covering medical, dental, vision, and education assistance, fostering a sustainable culture of wellness that encompasses living healthy, happy, secure, connected, and engaged.