Care Attendant - Resource Pool - York Memorial

UPMC•York, PA

About The Position

Provides limited patient care, support, and observation services in accordance with established policies and procedures, and as directed by a nurse or physician, to help maintain high-quality patient care. Performs UPMC nursing core responsibilities for Care Attendants, including observation, hygiene and oral care, bed making, transfer assistance, and comfort measures. The Care Attendant provides observation and direct care as directed by the RN, supports patient safety and recovery, helps with activities of daily living, and assists with communication, supplies, equipment, and other unit activities. The role also includes reporting changes in patient status, communicating learning needs, responding to feedback and direction, and contributing to effective department operations.

Requirements

If the candidate has no previous patient care training, successful completion of the UPMC Care Attendant (sitter) training program.
Knowledge of body mechanics and transfer techniques.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
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Responsibilities

Provide feedback to the RN about patient care and report changes in patient status.
Complete clerical functions as needed by the department.
Follow safety policies and procedures, including standard precautions, and understand procedures for blood-borne pathogen exposure.
Adhere to policies and practices concerning patient care and hospital-related information.
Respond to emergent situations within the scope of the Care Attendant role.
Provide one-on-one companionship and supervision for patients.
Provide observation and direct patient care as directed by the RN, including bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning patients.
Maintain an environment conducive to patient safety and recovery by completing safety checks, keeping patient rooms clean and organized, cleaning patient-specific equipment, changing bed linens, and emptying linen hampers.
Acquire and distribute supplies and equipment to facilitate patient care, including messenger functions, ordering and charging or crediting supplies, setting up equipment within the role's scope, and stocking patient rooms and unit supply areas.
Deliver patient nourishments, fill water pitchers, and distribute patient mail when not directly assisting a patient.
Report equipment malfunctions to the appropriate department.
Establish appropriate and effective communication strategies and professional, respectful interpersonal relationships.
Contribute to universal patient activities, such as answering telephones, assisting with meal trays, and accompanying patients during transport.
Communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team.
Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence, and workplace impairment.
Support safety in the workplace for patients and self.
Develop and maintain productive internal and external working relationships, demonstrating accountability, enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment to patients and colleagues.
Receive feedback and direction constructively.
Identify and communicate learning needs to the direct supervisor, take action to improve knowledge, skills, and performance, and request assistance with planning and prioritizing activities as needed.
Participate in self-review as requested by the direct supervisor.
Suggest and support departmental changes, assume responsibility for assignments, view problems as challenges, and demonstrate awareness of how behavior affects efficient department functioning.