Description
Overview
The patient safety companion provides patient monitoring services through direct patient observation in order to provide a safe environment for patients.
Responsibilities
- Provides 1:1 direct observation (sitter in patient’s room) to assigned patient to prevent patient self- injury. Maintains visual observation at all times.
- Participates in collaborative identification of and reporting of patient safety issues
- Removes any potential safety hazard from patient room and reports findings to nursing staff
- Promotes diversionary activities as necessary and appropriate
- Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality
- Demonstrates understanding and proficient use of patient monitoring software while functioning as remote monitoring technician
- Documents proof of observation of suicide precautions and other safety protocols
- Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide the appropriate care to a patient population based on the patients individualized treatment plan as delegated by the RN.
- Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others.
- Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patients when arriving on unit/work area and upon completion of shift assignment.
- Coordinates meal and break times with team and informs appropriate team members prior to leaving monitoring station for any reason to ensure constant patient observation.
- Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues.
- Demonstrates safe work practices and attitudes, follows safety rules, works to prevent unsafe conditions and behaviors, and participates in organizational and department safety programs.
- Demonstrates initiative to improve quality and customer service.
- Demonstrates the UnityPoint Health FOCUS Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines.
- Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance.
- Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position.
- Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, TJC, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
- Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year.
- Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse.
- Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff.
- Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.
Qualifications
- Eighteen (18) years of age or older.
- High School graduate or GED.
- Familiarity with healthcare environment preferred.
- Basic computer skills required
- Valid driver’s license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.
- Must possess and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or obtain certification within three (3) months from date of hire.
- Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
- Multicultural sensitivity.
- Microsoft Office – basic computer skills.
- Customer/patient focused.
- Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.
- Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.
- Area of Interest: Patient Care
- FTE/Hours per pay period: .01
- Department: Emergency Room
- Shift: Varied, As Needed
- Job ID: 161715
