Care Partner

Wellstar Health System•Marietta, GA

About The Position

The Care Partner is a support care provider who works under the direction of a Registered Nurse to promote a positive patient experience and provide basic patient care, daily living assistance, and comfort measures. The role partners with nurses, physicians, the healthcare team, patients, and families to provide safe, age-appropriate, culturally aware care. Depending on unit needs and approved training, the Care Partner may perform advanced skills such as phlebotomy, EKGs, simple treatments, dressing changes, oral suctioning, and removal of Foley catheters or IVs. The position also includes clerical and unit-support duties, such as retrieving data, maintaining supplies, transporting supplies and medications, and documenting care in the electronic medical record. The Care Partner must work effectively in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks, communicate in real time with the RN and ancillary team, and respond compassionately and respectfully under stressful conditions. The role requires organization, effective communication, and the ability to take direction from a variety of care providers.

Requirements

Rising senior in good standing in another or related field, or a high school diploma or GED; the high school diploma/GED is listed as preferred.
BLS, American Red Cross BLS, or BLS Instructor certification is required upon hire.
Ability to follow detailed directions.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Clear verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document.
Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
Minimum age of hire is 16.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant or Patient Care Technician program upon hire is preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with the healthcare team, patients, and families to promote an excellent patient experience and support patient-centered care.
Provide patient care under the direction of the RN, including hygiene, nutrition, elimination, ambulation, vital signs, and physical comfort measures.
Follow the assigned plan of care, engage patients and families in the treatment plan, and contribute relevant patient and family input to care delivery.
Perform approved advanced skills as required by unit needs, such as phlebotomy, EKGs, simple treatments, dressing changes, oral suctioning, and removal of Foley catheters or IVs.
Participate in hourly patient rounding; answer telephone calls and call lights promptly; offer assistance and comfort measures; and resolve concerns or escalate them to the charge nurse.
Protect patients' rights and dignity and maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and recommended privacy procedures.
Assist with direct patient admissions, monitor data entry for key patient safety information, participate in charge reconciliation, and perform audits as requested.
Support healthcare team initiatives, unit performance improvement, shared leadership, evidence-based practice, and ethical accountability.
Transport unit supplies, patient-care supplies, medications, and equipment as assigned.
Communicate effectively with patients, staff, physicians, families, and visitors, including using AIDET and safety communication techniques.
Communicate assignment completion, patient-care concerns, problems, or emergencies to the RN or charge nurse in a timely manner.
Document completed patient care in the electronic medical record and maintain knowledge of role-related documentation tools for downtime situations.
Maintain patient-care equipment; sequester, tag, and report malfunctioning devices to appropriate personnel.
Communicate with patients and update whiteboards with information.
Maintain a safe care environment through hand hygiene, cleanliness, appropriate PPE and infection-control practices, and reinforcement of universal precautions.
Use proper body mechanics, patient-safe handling devices, and assistive devices such as lifts, transfer equipment, walkers, and gait belts.
Perform environment-of-care rounds and other assigned duties.
Comply with Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.