Care Attendant - 6E Brain Injury Rehab

UPMC•Pittsburgh, PA

9h•Onsite

About The Position

UPMC Mercy is hiring a full-time Care Attendant for its 6E Brain Injury Rehab department. The 18-bed Traumatic Brain Injury Unit provides multidisciplinary rehabilitation for people recovering from traumatic brain injury, stroke, and other neurological disorders, with a focus on helping patients achieve their highest level of function and return home. The unit also has a disorders of consciousness rehabilitation program. Care Attendants support patient safety by providing observation and direct care under the direction of an RN. They may serve as a companion for patients who need supervision and assist with transfers, hygiene, personal care, activities of daily living, and comfort measures. The role is described as an introduction to direct patient care for people new to health care and as a possible first step into inpatient care for people with some health care experience.

Requirements

If the applicant has no previous patient care training, successfully complete the UPMC Care Attendant (sitter) training program.
Knowledge of body mechanics and transfer techniques.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
A work permit is required if under 18 years of age.
Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
CPR must meet AHA standards, including didactic and skills-demonstration components, within 30 days of hire.
Act 34 clearance.

Responsibilities

Provide observation and direct patient care as directed by the RN, including bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating, turning, and repositioning patients.
Maintain an environment that supports patient safety and recovery by completing safety checks, keeping rooms clean and organized, cleaning patient-specific equipment, changing bed linens, and emptying linen hampers.
Acquire and distribute supplies and equipment, perform messenger functions, order and charge or credit supplies, set up patient care equipment within the role's scope, and stock patient rooms and unit supply areas.
Deliver patient nourishments, fill water pitchers, and distribute patient mail when not directly assisting a patient.
Provide feedback to the RN about patient care and report changes in patient status.
Complete clerical functions as needed by the department.
Receive feedback and direction constructively, communicate learning needs to the direct supervisor, and take action to improve knowledge, skills, and performance.
Request assistance with planning and prioritizing activities as needed and participate in self-review when requested by the direct supervisor.
Communicate clearly and effectively with members of the health care team and establish appropriate communication strategies.
Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence, and impairment in the workplace.
Support workplace safety for patients and self; comply with safety policies, standard precautions, and blood-borne pathogen exposure procedures.
Develop and maintain productive working relationships by demonstrating accountability, enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment to patients and colleagues.
Report equipment malfunctions to the appropriate department.
Establish professional and respectful interpersonal relationships.
Contribute to universal patient activities, including answering telephones, assisting with meal trays, and accompanying patients during transport.
Suggest and support departmental changes, take responsibility for assignments, and recognize the effect of behavior on departmental efficiency.
Strictly adhere to policies and practices related to patient care and hospital information.
Respond to emergent situations within the scope of the Care Attendant role.
Provide one-on-one companionship and supervision for patients.
Perform in accordance with system-wide competencies and behaviors, and perform other duties as assigned.