Patient Companion | PRN

Medical University of South Carolina • Lancaster, CA

7d • 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 promote safe, quality, patient-centered care. When assigned as a Patient Safety Companion, the employee continuously observes patients who require close monitoring. When observation is not required, the employee works as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) and/or Unit Secretary to support direct care and unit operations. The position requires professional and ethical conduct, strong communication, and a commitment to maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment for patients, families, visitors, and staff.

This is a PRN, as-needed position with no guaranteed fixed schedule or hours. 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 may vary; additional shifts may be requested to address staffing gaps. The role cross-trains across multiple functions based on departmental needs.

The position works in patient care areas and may involve exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and other healthcare-related hazards. Weekend, holiday, evening, night, and on-call shifts may be required. The employee must follow infection prevention and safety protocols.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Ability to remain alert and attentive 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.
• Must comply with infection prevention and safety protocols.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous one-to-one observation of assigned patients, maintaining visual contact and ensuring they are not left unattended unless relieved by authorized staff.
• Immediately 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 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 maintain patient dignity, confidentiality, and privacy.
• 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 the scope of training and competency.
• Maintain patient rooms, equipment, and supplies in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Assist with admission, discharge, and transfer procedures, and support a decentralized, patient-centered approach to care.
• Process physician orders accurately and promptly according to hospital procedures.
• Maintain patient charts, forms, and records in an organized and compliant manner, ensuring required forms and documentation are present.
• Answer telephones, relay messages, and communicate effectively with physicians, staff, patients, and visitors.
• Perform clerical and data-entry functions related to patient care and unit operations; assist with scheduling and record maintenance.
• Order and maintain adequate unit supply inventory through materials management, and support efficient workflow at the nurses’ station and throughout the unit.
• Cross-train and work in multiple roles as departmental needs and staffing requirements dictate.
• Participate in orientation, ongoing education, competency validation, and performance improvement activities.
• Follow hospital policies, procedures, safety standards, regulatory requirements, HIPAA, and organizational confidentiality standards.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior, compassion, respect, customer service, and collaboration across disciplines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED