Patient Companion

VPNE•Burlington, MA

89d

About The Position

The Patient Care Companion works under the direction of the registered Nurse responsible for the Patient’s care and follows the Patient’s individualized needs. Nursing care is provided by nursing staff. The companion performs assigned patient observation, monitors safety and behavior, documents observations, and reports the Patient’s status and needs to the Nurse. The position may involve observing patients at risk for suicide. Schedule: Wednesday through Sunday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Requirements

Entry-level experience.
Proficiency in English, both verbal and written.
Demonstrate proper body mechanics in all functions.
Understand individual roles and responsibilities in the event of a hospital code, such as Code Green or Code Red.
Perform proper hand washing per CDC guidelines.
Safeguard the privacy and security of patient information and comply with related hospital policies and procedures.
Use the Chain of Command to communicate identified patient or staff safety risks.
Communicate and collaborate effectively and respectfully with patients, families, coworkers, and staff.
Report to work in the proper uniform per departmental standards and hospital policy.

Responsibilities

Communicate any change of assignment to the nursing office.
Perform patient observation as assigned.
Document the Patient’s behavior using the appropriate form or tool.
Obtain information from a Registered Nurse at the start of the shift regarding the Patient’s care.
Adhere to Patient conversation guidelines.
Monitor the Patient’s safety and maintain a safe environment as directed by the registered Nurse, including maintaining an appropriate safety position and keeping the Patient in sight.
Monitor the Patient for escalating behavior.
Accompany the Patient to the bathroom and to tests as needed.
Demonstrate proficiency with bed alarms.
Place the Patient’s clothing and belongings in the Patient’s closet, away from the Patient.
Provide direct care to patients under the direct supervision of licensed personnel, using appropriate skills and judgment.
Observe and report the Patient’s status and needs to the Nurse.
Remain on duty until relieved by oncoming coverage or until the Nurse discontinues coverage.
Watch patients at risk for suicide when assigned.
Demonstrate proper body mechanics in all functions.
Understand individual roles and responsibilities during a hospital code.
Perform proper hand washing per CDC guidelines.
Safeguard patient information and comply with hospital privacy and security policies and procedures.
Bring potential compliance issues to a manager, supervisor, director, or VP.
Use the Chain of Command to communicate identified patient or staff safety risks.
Report patient status to oncoming staff respectfully and professionally.
Respect the values, preferences, and expressed needs of the Patient and family.
Communicate and collaborate effectively with patients and families to promote Patient health and well-being.
Interact sensitively when delivering care and services to diverse populations.
Report to work in the proper uniform per departmental standards and hospital policy.
Maintain a professional, courteous attitude toward the Patient, coworkers, and all departments.