Care Attendant

UPMC Western Maryland is seeking a Full-time Care Attendant to support our Emergency Department!

This is a full-time, 36-hour/week position that will work mainly between the hours of 7:00 pm - 7:00 am. Will include rotating weekends and holidays.

At times, patients may require continuous observation to ensure their safety and well-being. As a Care Attendant, you will provide one-on-one observation and maintain a constant, supportive presence for patients who may be at risk of falling, wandering, or experiencing behavioral health challenges. Your role is vital in helping patients feel safe and cared for. While observation is your main focus, our Care Attendants may also be directed by the Registered Nurse to assist with basic patient care tasks such as hygiene, personal care, patient transfers, and other comfort measures, depending on the needs of the unit.

Responsibilities:

• Provides observation and direct patient care as directed by the RN including but not limited to activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, and ambulating, as well as turning and repositioning patients.
• Maintains an environment conducive to patient safety and recovery including, but not limited to completing safety checks, keeping the patient room clean and organized, cleaning patient-specific equipment, changing bed linens, and emptying linen hampers.
• Acquires and distributes supplies and equipment to facilitate patient care delivery including, but not limited to, performing messenger functions, ordering, charging/crediting supplies, setting up patient care equipment within the scope of the Care Attendant position, and stocking patient rooms and unit supply areas.
• Delivers patient nourishments, fills water pitchers, and distributes patient mail as applicable if not directly with patient.
• Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reports changes in patient status.
• Completes clerical functions as needed by department.
• Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities, as needed.
• Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department.
• Contributes to universal patient activities including, but not limited to, responding to telephones, assisting with meal trays, and accompanying patients during transport.
• Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions and understands policies and procedures for blood-borne pathogen exposure.
• Strictly adheres to all policies and practices relative to patient care and hospital-related information.
• Responds within the scope of the Care Attendant role to emergent situations.
• Provide one-on-one companionship/supervision with patients.
• Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.