PATIENT SAFETY TECH – FLOAT

Job Code: 848 | 32 hours per week, 0.8 FTE | Nonexempt | Brattleboro, Vermont

About the role

Under the direction of the RN Team Lead or Clinical Nurse Administrator (CNA), the Patient Safety Technician-Float works as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team providing efficient and appropriate assistance with select patient and unit needs. The PST-Float performs a variety of clerical duties and tasks to maintain a well-supplied, safe, and clean patient unit within the Emergency Department.

Responsibilities

• Immediately report any observed changes in the patient’s behavior or condition to the primary nurse.
• Inform the RN/LPN of any patient complaints related to their health.
• Call the appropriate emergency code if needed.
• Perform patient assistance activities related to ambulation and mobilization, including assisting patients out of and returning to their bed/chair primarily for bathroom needs (if monitoring only one patient).
• Regularly conduct room safety sweeps and ensure that potentially hazardous items are removed.
• Monitor applied restraints to ensure patient safety and comfort.
• Assist staff in dressing and undressing patients as needed and secure clothes and belongings per company standards.
• Assist with delivery of meal trays and setup.
• Maintain a professional and safe appearance, avoiding items around the neck that could pose a risk.
• Document all observations, including restraints, in the medical record as instructed and within designated timeframes.
• Ensure patient confidentiality and refrain from discussing patient information with unauthorized individuals.
• Communicate professionally and empathetically with patients, acknowledging complaints and referring them to the nurse.
• Avoid bringing personal items such as phones, food, books, or magazines into patient rooms.
• Maintain infection prevention standards during all activities.
• Maintain personal and professional boundaries, refraining from sharing personal information.
• Answer call lights and secure appropriate resources to address patient needs.
• Perform hourly rounding for patient experience and safety checks per unit standard.
• Stock equipment and supplies, monitoring for expired items.
• Transport patients within the hospital as needed.
• Answer telephones and complete other clerical duties as assigned.
• Assist with maintenance of overall unit organization and cleanliness.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced work environment with excellent organizational, customer service, and prioritization skills.
• Prior healthcare experience preferred.
• CPR certification required within 3 months of hire.

Physical demands

• Standing: 2/3 or more of the time
• Walking: 2/3 or more of the time
• Sitting: Up to 1/3 of the time
• Talking or hearing: 1/3 to 1/2 of the time
• Use of hands to finger, handle, or feel: 1/3 to 1/2 of the time
• Pushing/pulling: 1/3 to 1/2 of the time
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling: 1/3 to 1/2 of the time
• Reaching with hands and arms: 1/3 to 1/2 of the time
• Lifting/force exertion:
  • Up to 10 pounds: 1/3 to 1/2 of the time
  • Up to 25 pounds: 1/3 to 1/2 of the time
  • Up to 50 pounds: 1/3 to 1/2 of the time
  • Up to 100 pounds: Up to 1/3 of the time

Work environment

• Work near moving mechanical parts: Up to 1/3 of the time
• Exposure to fumes or airborne particles: Up to 1/3 of the time
• Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals: Up to 1/3 of the time
• Outdoor weather conditions: Up to 1/3 of the time
• Typical noise level: Moderate
• Hearing ability to hear calls and instructions from physicians/department staff

OSHA category

OSHA Category I: Tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, requiring the use of Universal Precautions and adherence to bloodborne pathogens standards.

Pay

$18 - $26.22 per hour

Schedule

• 32 hours per week, 8-hour shifts
• Weekend schedule: Rotation
• Holiday schedule: Rotation