Patient Companion

The University of Kansas Health System•Liberty, MO

16d

About The Position

The Patient Companion (PC) participates in high quality, patient-centered care by providing continuous observation and monitoring for certain high-risk patients. As a non-certified caregiver, the PC collaborates with the patient care team, ensures the patient environment is free of obstacles, and minimizes risk of falls and accidental or intentional self-harm. The PC may also assist with basic activities of daily living. Must complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High School Graduate or GED.
Basic Life Support Heartsaver (BLS HS) (Non-Clinical) - American Heart Association (AHA)

Nice To Haves

1 or more years experience in healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Maintains a direct line of sight with patient at all times, including while family and/or visitors are in the room.
Accompanies patient and ensures patient safety during transportation, testing, and procedures occurring away from the patient’s normal environment.
Establishes a safe, risk-free patient environment by utilizing knowledge of fall prevention protocols, infection control measures, and self-harm prevention.
Performs room assessment regularly and after any visitations.
Monitors patient physical and emotional condition. Reports any changes in status promptly while remaining direct line of sight with the patient
Intervenes as needed to prevent patient from harming self or others. Seeks immediate assistance for escalating incidents.
Demonstrates knowledge and respect of patient rights to privacy and protection of patient confidentiality.
Demonstrates caring and empathy in all interactions and advocates for patient- and family-centered approach in all decisions and actions.
Participates as an active member of the health care team and positively promotes the rest of the team to patients/families/caregivers and other colleagues.
Serves as a resource to department staff, students, volunteers, and other departments, and contributes to the teamwork essential to ensuring quality patient care.
Participates in hospital or departmental performance improvement activities and seeks opportunities to improve department and inter-department processes.
Restocks non-medicinal patient room supplies as needed
Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.