Patient Safety Companion

Job Description

The University of Maryland Medical System is a 14-hospital system providing comprehensive medical services across Maryland. As a member of our team, you'll have access to diverse clinical experiences, robust support, and opportunities for professional growth.

Principal Responsibilities And Tasks

• Provides continuous observation of assigned patients to maintain patient safety.
• Obtains verbal report from the patient’s nurse to include information regarding the patient’s identified care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, as well as any special considerations (NPO, bed alarms, etc.).
• Maintains a calm composure and a soft tone when communicating with the patient.
• Verbal redirection of the patient from risky and harmful behaviors.
• Sums up the need for assistance through appropriate communication tools.
• Makes efforts to prevent patient from self-harm, falls, eloping, smoking, dislodging IV lines, O2 apparatus, catheters, and/or drains and dressings.
• Requests immediate assistance for noted changes in patient condition and/or disruptive behaviors.
• Initiates C.P.R. procedure as needed to ensure patient care and safety.
• Maintains infection control practices (standard precautions and isolation precautions).
• Maintains appearance and order of patient rooms and work areas.
• Engages the patient in diversional activities such as coloring and games as appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrates maturity, tact, judgment and sensitivity to people.
• Ability to function independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledgeable and supportive of patient and organizational confidentiality and related hospital policies.
• Utilizes effective communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Ability to respond to patient behavioral changes.
• Ability to organize work priorities, perform several duties simultaneously and function in stressful situations.
• Ability to work with others as a member of the healthcare team.
• Ability to complete documentation/forms related to observation of the patient.
• Demonstrates strong verbal communication skills and excellent organizational skills.