Patient Safety Assistant

Overview

Job Description Summary:

Provides direct observation of patients placed on Suicide/Self Destructive Behavior or other patients requiring constant attendance, in order to provide maximum protection of both patients and staff.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Performs regular checks of the patient environment to maintain safety and observes patient for behaviors.
• Provides alert observation through sitting as a 1:1 supervision in patient room; camera monitoring 7 or more patients at one time, or completing every 15-minute safety checks for 4 or more patients. Participates in unit conferences as requested.
• Receives assignment and handoff from charge nurse or nurse in charge of patient prior to entering patient room. Completes required charting or paperwork. Assists with Admission & Discharge Process as directed by unit RN.
• Completes unit/room orientation; reinforces information given to patients. Assists with activities of daily living according to practitioner order. Always accompanies patient when out of the room and does not leave a patient unattended.
• Provides age-appropriate interaction, encouragement, support, and reinforces positive behavior with a calm approach, as well as reinforcing behavior/safety plan when appropriate.
• Acts as a preceptor of orientation and training of other Patient Safety Assistant (PSA) staff.
• Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment by performing frequent environmental checks to ensure patient and staff safety.
  
  

Education Requirement

High School Diploma or equivalent, required.

Licensure Requirement

(not specified)

Certifications

• Current CPR certification - BLS for Healthcare Provider, required.
• Maintains crisis management training as designated by NCH.
  
  

Skills

• Must possess good communication skills.
• Must be able to exercise self-control in potentially volatile situations such as being verbally or physically confronted in a threatening or aggressive manner.
• Must be able to work and concentrate amidst distractions such as noise, conversation, and foot traffic.
• Must be flexible and not easily frustrated in dealing with differences of opinion.
• Demonstrates promptness and consistency in meeting scheduled work commitments.
  
  

Experience

Experience in Behavioral Health setting, preferred.

Physical Requirements

OCCASIONALLY: Blood and/or Bodily Fluids, Climb stairs/ladder, Cold Temperatures, Communicable Diseases and/or Pathogens, Hot Temperatures, Interpreting Data, Lifting / Carrying: 11-20 lbs, Lifting / Carrying: 21-40 lbs, Patient Equipment, Pushing / Pulling: 41-60 lbs, Pushing / Pulling: 61-100 lbs, Working at Heights, Working Outdoors

FREQUENTLY: Bend/twist, Loud Noises, Pushing / Pulling: 0-25 lbs, Pushing / Pulling: 26-40 lbs, Reaching above shoulder, Squat/kneel

CONTINUOUSLY: Audible speech, Color vision, Computer skills, Decision Making, Depth perception, Flexing/extending of neck, Hand use: grasping, gripping, turning, Hearing acuity, Lifting / Carrying: 0-10 lbs, Peripheral vision, Problem solving, Repetitive hand/arm use, Seeing – Far/near, Sitting, Standing, Walking

Additional Physical Requirements Performed But Not Listed Above

Crisis Management Training.

"The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the individuals so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision. EOE M/F/Disability/Vet"