Patient Safety Attendant-Jefferson Highway

Patient Care Assistant

The role works collaboratively with a licensed nurse and Patient Care Technicians under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse to maintain patient safety and provide for the delivery of basic patient care.

• Provides constant observation of the patient (remains with the patient), notifies nursing personnel of changes in behavior or status and, when leaving the room, intervenes as needed to maintain patient safety and/or prevent patient elopement.
• Communicates effectively with co-workers, patients, family and visitors.
• Assists with the plan of care as delegated by the staff nurse/department lead within the scope of practice.
• Maintains a clean and safe environment in the patient care area.
• Provides care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety and related criteria appropriate to the ages of patients served in the assigned area.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, respecting privacy, using appropriate introduction and communication style, requesting permissions, and explaining services or procedures.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

• Education
  :
  High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience
  :
  None required. Preferred experience with a psychiatric environment and experience with computer data entry.
• Certifications
  :
  Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association prior to independent patient care;
  Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) training to be obtained prior to independent patient care;
  Nursing Assistant certification required for those employed in Skilled Nursing Facilities/Units or areas where they provide Patient Care Technician duties.
• Knowledge,
  
  Skills and Abilities
  
  :
  Good communication skills and ability to communicate therapeutically with psychiatric and mentally ill patients; ability to use independent judgment to monitor and respond to patient-related changes in condition; strong interpersonal skills; proficiency in using computers, software, and web-based applications.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Heavy work may involve exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.

The incumbent works in a patient care area and may be exposed to communicable diseases or hazardous medications or waste.

The employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.