Care Companion - Float Pool - Full Time 24 Hours/Week - Days

Nebraska Methodist Hospital•Council Bluffs, IA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Care Companion provides a safe environment through one-to-one supervision for patients whose behavior has been identified as putting them at risk for injury or potentially jeopardizing medically necessary treatment. The role involves responding to patients’ needs, communicating concerns to appropriate staff, and supporting patient comfort, safety, nutrition, mobility, and daily routines. For two assigned patients, the companion sits in the hallway between their rooms and maintains visual contact with both. For a patient on suicide precautions, the companion must maintain constant visual contact at all times. The position is based at Methodist Jennie Edmundson, 933 E. Pierce St., Council Bluffs, Iowa. The schedule is 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 24 hours per week. Orientation and on-the-job experience are provided to learn hospital procedures and work routines.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Educational Development (G.E.D.) preferred.
Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) strongly preferred at hire and required within three months of hire.
Ability to understand and carry out instructions, follow schedules, communicate information, and read simple, clear instructions.
Ability to collect and report patient needs to the appropriate caregiver.
Ability to demonstrate critical-thinking skills commensurate with the job description.
Able to perform medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force.

Nice To Haves

Previous cleaning, food service, and/or patient-related experience preferred.
High school diploma or General Educational Development (G.E.D.) preferred.
Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) strongly preferred at time of hire.

Responsibilities

Provide age-appropriate care that supports patient understanding and comfort with treatment.
Identify and provide individualized customer service and care based on patient needs.
Maintain effective, courteous communication with patients, co-workers, guests, and appropriate staff; promptly communicate patient issues to the appropriate staff.
Respond to patient needs and requests promptly and courteously, maintaining a positive attitude and timely, accurate service.
Complete behavior logs after each shift and turn them in to Core.
Provide a safe environment for patients whose behavior may put them at risk for injury or jeopardize medically necessary treatment.
Help minimize excess stimulation.
Assist with repositioning, turning, chair transfers, and transportation.
Assist with toileting every two hours when appropriate.
Respond to bed-exit and sit/stand alarms by assisting patients with immediate needs.
Help feed patients and offer nutrition and fluids frequently when appropriate; the primary nurse reports the assigned patients’ activity and nutritional level.
Help maintain a neat, uncluttered patient environment and attend to patient amenities such as newspapers, mail, and tissues.
Call for assistance when unsure about patient observation or activities.
Assist with diversional activities when appropriate.
When observing two patients, sit in the hallway between their rooms and maintain visual contact with both.
Maintain constant visual contact with a patient on suicide precautions, in accordance with the suicide precaution policy.
Participate in mandatory in-services and continuing education programs as required by policies, procedures, external agencies, and the supervisor.