Patient Safety Companion

About the Role

Patient Safety Companions observe patients, ensure safety needs are met, and assist with basic patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Assignments span various units at Tuscaloosa and Northport DCH facilities.

Responsibilities

• Direct observation of patients at all times to ensure safety
• Keep patients who are at risk for harming themselves or others safe
• Measure and record intake and output
• Assist with positioning, lifting, and turning patients
• Help with the use of bedpans, urinals, or commodes
• Care for incontinent patients and provide skin care to immobilized patients
• Assist with patient ambulation and feeding
• Follow all safety precautions noted on the daily assignment sheet
• Accurately document care provided according to policies and procedures
• Perform initial and annual competency evaluations per job class
• Apply safety principles and proper body mechanics during patient care
• Participate in economical use of supplies and maintain clean, safe equipment and patient rooms
• Assist nursing staff in maintaining a safe environment for suicidal patients by limiting personal items in patient rooms
• Maintain performance, patient, and employee satisfaction standards as outlined in performance evaluations
• Adhere to DCH Behavioral Standards, including positive relationships with patients, families, coworkers, and colleagues
• Perform essential job functions safely for patients, visitors, and employees
• Identify and reduce unsafe practices to minimize risks and hazards
• Use electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software, and intranet
• Adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred
• Ability to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English
• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certification required within 30 days of employment
• Previous patient care experience preferred
• Basic computer skills for electronic medical records, email, and software systems
• Reliable transportation to support assignments between two facilities

Working Conditions

Work Context

• Communicate with diverse personalities and engage in face-to-face discussions
• Handle unpleasant or physically aggressive individuals
• Manage conflict effectively
• Communicate clearly and accurately
• Receive and follow delegation instructions
• Work collaboratively in groups
• Perform structured and unstructured tasks under time pressure and deadlines
• Execute duties with precision and accuracy
• Use electronic mail, telephone, and texting
• Possible exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals, hazardous materials, and cleaning solutions
• Wear protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, masks, and gowns

Physical Factors

• Medium work: Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly
• Tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking
• Reach in any direction, stand, walk, kneel, bend, sit, stoop, and lift
• Run in emergencies
• Coordinate finger movements and perceive temperature, texture, shape, and size with fingertips
• Normal or corrected-to-normal hearing and vision
• Stamina to work 12-hour shifts
• Physical presence onsite is essential
• Perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation

Applicable patient ages: adolescent, adult, and geriatric.