Care Companion (Registry)

La Rabida Children’s Hospital provides specialized, family-centered health care to children with medically complex conditions, disabilities, and chronic illness. Through expertise, compassion, and advocacy we help children and their families reach their fullest potential, regardless of their ability to pay.

Our not-for-profit hospital, licensed for 49 beds, helps transition children from neonatal or pediatric intensive care to home, by providing medical, rehabilitative and developmental care, and by training families to continue treatments and manage the necessary equipment in the home. La Rabida also provides extensive rehabilitation for those recovering from wounds or burns and treatment for exacerbations of chronic conditions.

The hospital’s enhanced pediatric patient-centered medical home provides primary care to children with complex medical conditions and their siblings. Children with medical homes elsewhere come to La Rabida for specialty services. La Rabida offers a wide range of specialty services provided to children with sickle cell disease, diabetes, and many others. Children are supported in their emotional and developmental growth, particularly in cases where such growth has been interrupted by accident or disease.

Finally, La Rabida provides forensic and treatment services for children exposed to abuse and neglect, comprehensive assessments for youth in care, early intervention for children between 0 and 3 years of age. Care coordination services for medically complex children are also provided for those who are covered by a health plan and receive care from providers in Cook County

The Care Companion (CC) provides continuous observation of assigned patients, under the direction and supervision of a Professional Registered Nurse, including providing developmentally appropriate stimulation and responsive caregiving, verbally redirecting the patient from engaging in at-risk behaviors and summoning the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance. Additionally, the CC can provide developmental support to the patient based on direct instructions from a La Rabida patient care provider.

• Provides continuous monitoring and observation of patients; coordinates with the Registered Nurse (RN) on relief efforts when leaving the patient room in order to maintain constant patient observation
• Maintains visual observation of patient at all times; immediately summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance; seeks help or advice if patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others
• Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues, and ensures safe patient environment; seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to the RN
• Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patients when arriving on units and upon completion of shift assignment
• As assigned by the RN or CNA or other patient care provider, may assist patient with activities such as eating, cleaning, walking, brushing teeth/hair, comfort holding, maintaining daily routine/schedule, play and interaction, etc.
• When there is not a specific patient in need of continuous monitoring, there will be re-assignment to inpatient or outpatient areas to assist with other patients or families who have developmental needs, emotional support needs, personal care needs and/or support for medical care being provided.
• Demonstrates safe work practices and attitudes; follows safety rules; works to prevent unsafe conditions and behaviors; and participates in organizational and department safety programs
• Considers the diverse needs of each patient, providing and ensuring the highest level of service according to established service standards, optimizing the patient and family experience
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all La Rabida policies, procedures and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff

• High School Diploma or equivalency (GED) ; some college education in healthcare or child development/education field preferred
• Related child care experience preferred
• CPR required. Only certifications issued by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross will be accepted.
• Ability to work with children and families.

La Rabida Children’s Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

La Rabida is a place unlike any other. We understand the needs of families with children dealing with the most serious or complicated of conditions. With teams of the best healthcare providers in Chicago, we give continuous, comprehensive care, education, and support, helping families face their unique obstacles head-on.

La Rabida Children’s Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.