Patient Companion | PRN

Medical University of South Carolina•Lancaster, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Patient Companion performs patient care, safety monitoring, and clerical support duties to help ensure safe, quality, patient-centered care. When assigned as a Patient Safety Companion, the employee continuously observes patients who require close monitoring. When patient observation is not required, the employee functions as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) and/or Unit Secretary, supporting direct patient care and unit operations. The role requires professional and ethical conduct, effective communication, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for patients, families, visitors, and staff. This is a PRN, as-needed position without guaranteed hours or a fixed schedule. The employee must be available to work at least 12 hours every two weeks under the PRN Commitment Agreement; actual hours depend on department needs, and additional shifts may be requested. The position works in patient care areas and may involve exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and other healthcare-related hazards. Work may include weekends, holidays, evenings, nights, and on-call shifts as needed. The employee must comply with infection prevention and safety protocols.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Ability to maintain alertness and attention during extended periods of patient observation.
Ability to perform duties requiring manual dexterity, visual acuity, and effective verbal communication.
Ability to lift and move patients and equipment in accordance with hospital safety guidelines.
Ability to comply with infection prevention and safety protocols.
Availability to work at least 12 hours every two weeks under the PRN Commitment Agreement.

Nice To Haves

Previous healthcare experience preferred.
Experience as a Patient Care Technician, Nursing Assistant, Patient Sitter, Unit Secretary, or in a related healthcare role preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide continuous one-to-one observation of assigned patients, maintaining constant visual contact and not leaving patients unattended unless relieved by authorized staff.
Observe and promptly report changes in patient condition, behavior, or safety risks to the Registered Nurse.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, feeding, ambulation, repositioning, bathing, grooming, and dressing, as directed.
Promote patient comfort and dignity while maintaining a safe environment; intervene according to hospital policy to prevent falls, self-harm, removal of medical devices, and other unsafe behaviors.
Document observations and activities as required and communicate patient status and concerns to nursing staff.
Provide direct patient care under RN supervision, including obtaining and recording vital signs, height, weight, intake and output, and other assigned patient data.
Assist with patient transport, transfers, and ambulation using proper body mechanics and safety techniques.
Collect specimens and perform delegated clinical tasks within training and competency.
Maintain patient rooms, equipment, and supplies in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
Assist with admission, discharge, and transfer procedures, and promptly report changes in patient condition to the RN.
Process physician orders accurately and timely; maintain patient charts, forms, and records and ensure required documentation is present.
Answer telephones, relay messages, and communicate with physicians, staff, patients, and visitors.
Perform clerical, data-entry, scheduling, record-maintenance, and other administrative functions related to patient care and unit operations.
Order and maintain adequate unit supply inventory through materials management; support efficient workflow at the nurses' station and throughout the unit.
Cross-train and function in multiple roles based on department needs and staffing requirements.
Participate in orientation, ongoing education, competency validation, and performance improvement activities.
Follow hospital policies, procedures, safety standards, regulatory requirements, and HIPAA and organizational confidentiality standards.
Demonstrate ethical, professional, compassionate, respectful behavior and excellent customer service; support teamwork and collaboration across disciplines.
Perform other duties as assigned.