ED Behavioral Health- Patient Care Partner- 24hr

Connecticut Children's•Hartford, CT

39d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Care Partner promotes the safety, health, and comfort of patients, families, and staff in the care of behavioral health/psychiatry patients within the hospital. This role may be assigned to the Emergency Department or inpatient units to meet the unique needs of this patient population. The Patient Care Partner is trained to visually monitor patients and provide direct patient contact or care. They may be assigned to patients exhibiting behaviors such as homicide attempts, positive screens with suicide assessment or attempts, violent behavior, elopement/wander risk, fall risk, confused mental state/cognitive impairment, or those with eating disorders.

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED, or a higher level of education that would require the completion of high school.
BLS/CPR, American Heart Association, required within 2 weeks of hire and must remain current at all times.
Crisis Intervention training certification required within 3 months of hire and maintained current at all times.
Knowledge of basic Medical terminology, mathematics and measurements.
Basic understanding of the organization's environment of care and infection control policies and procedures.
Basic understanding of reasons for and techniques for managing aggressive behavior.
Understand and follow Connecticut Children’s policies and procedures.
Excellent interpersonal skills and communication required.
Demonstration of effective listening skills.
Effective oral and written communication skills required.
Ability to communicate in English is required (bilingual competency, Spanish preferred).
Demonstrates competency in standard clinical procedures as well as unit specific patient management protocols.
Ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.
Ability to learn and follow established protocols to respond in emergency situations.
Ability to learn and demonstrate competency in basic data entry and documentation in the medical record.
Ability to work across all levels of the organization effectively.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual competency, Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Receives hand off from the care team regarding the reason for observation, patient behaviors, and any concerns/risks. Provides hand off at the end of the assignment.
Notifies the primary nurse of changes in patient behavior and collaborates with nursing staff regarding patient observation.
Communicates effectively with patient nursing staff regarding observed behaviors and changes.
Understands observation levels (constant observation, 1:1, roving attendant/every 15 minute checks) and adheres to standards for the assigned role.
Provides direct, face-to-face observation of patients at risk for harming themselves or others, or for patients in restraint and/or seclusion.
Incorporates de-escalation techniques in daily practice with patients being observed as needed.
Records observations in the patient record at the designated interval for the observation level, accurately documenting pertinent information within timelines.
May travel with patients off the unit for testing or other reasons as determined by the care team.
Assists with supervised clothing changes and secures patient belongings.
Assists patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADL), including bathing, dietary needs, and escorting patients off the unit.
Completes patient documentation as appropriate.
Provides environmental and room surveys to ensure a safe patient care environment.
Supports in meal delivery and other activities of daily living (shower/toileting/diversionary activities). Checks meal trays upon removal to ensure all objects are removed.
Observes patients closely to ensure they do not obtain or retrieve objects they could use to harm themselves or others.
If assigned to constant observation, remains with the patient without distraction until relieved or the observation level changes.
Supports restraint activities as delegated by the primary Registered Nurse.
Assists with procedural holds as directed by MD, Provider, and/or RN.
Communicates effectively with the patient and family regarding role responsibilities.
Rounds continuously to observe for any early intervention needs of escalating patients/situations.
Maintains a safe environment of care, free of hallway clutter and safety concerns.
Participates in post restraint huddles.
Establishes effective relationships with patients, families, staff, and external customers/consultants.
Is accountable for departmental and hospital quality and safety initiatives and goals.
Demonstrates necessary age-specific and cultural competencies in all treatment and contact with patients/families.
Demonstrates knowledge of age-related differences and needs of patients from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice.
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families.
Values cultural diversity and other individual differences in the workforce.
Demonstrates support for the mission, values, and goals of the organization through consistent behaviors.
Performs other related responsibilities as assigned.
Acts as a member of the care team and receives delegated assignments.