About The Position
The Patient Companion provides a safe environment, companionship, and supportive care for patients who require constant observation as identified by a nurse or physician. This position maintains 1:1 supervision, remains in the patient’s clear sight unless nursing staff direct otherwise, and calls for assistance when unable to redirect a patient or when there is potential for self-injury. The role is based in Geisinger’s Central Region Float Pool and requires floating to Bloomsburg GBH, Danville GMC, and Shamokin GSACH campuses, including their Emergency Departments. The position has a 24-hour weekly commitment with day and night shifts, every other weekend, and holiday work. A two-week classroom orientation is required at the start of employment, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Geisinger offers a minimum hiring rate of $15.25, increased rates for experienced individuals, a float premium of up to $3.50 per hour worked, and shift differentials of up to $3 for evening, night, and weekend shifts. The posting also advertises up to $40,000 in financial support to become a nurse.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Ability to work a 24-hour weekly commitment on day and night shifts, including every other weekend and holidays.
- Ability to complete the required two-week classroom orientation, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Clinical skills, communication, computer literacy, interpersonal communication, preceptor skills, and teamwork.
Responsibilities
- Provide companionship and supportive care for patients requiring constant observation.
- Maintain a safe environment and constant 1:1 observation of the patient.
- Accompany the patient off the unit when required for reasons identified by the care provider, including clinical tests, procedures, and appointments.
- Maintain a safe, private, comfortable therapeutic environment.
- Redirect impulsive or harmful behavior and call for assistance when redirection is unsuccessful or self-injury is possible.
- Remain in clear sight of the patient at all times unless otherwise instructed by nursing staff.
- Participate in shift report at the beginning and end of the shift, providing pertinent information to the Registered Nurse at shift end.
- Talk with the patient and use conversation to keep them focused.
- Assist patients with meals when they do not have swallowing precautions or require carbohydrate counts.
- Assist with bed making.
- Activate bed and/or chair alarms.
- Assist staff with walking patients.
- Float to Bloomsburg GBH, Danville GMC, and Shamokin GSACH campuses, including Emergency Departments.
- Comply with job-specific obligations and organizational policies and procedures.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage beginning on day one for full-time and part-time positions.
- Three medical plan choices, including an expanded network for out-of-area employees and dependents.
- Pre-tax healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts and a health savings account.
- Company-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
- 401(k) plan with automatic Geisinger contributions.
- Paid time off plan with accrual.
- Up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year.
- MyHealth Rewards wellness program with a financial incentive.
- Adoption and fertility assistance.
- Parental leave pay and military leave pay.
- Free Care.com membership with discounted backup care.
- Employee Assistance Program, including childcare, eldercare, and pet-care referrals; legal guidance; mental health visits; work-life support; and digital self-help tools.
- Voluntary accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, identity theft protection, universal life, pet, and legal insurance.
- On-the-job training and education.
- Professional growth and advancement opportunities.
- Support and mentorship from nursing leaders.
- Employee referral incentive program.
- Up to $40,000 in financial support to become a nurse.
- Float premium of up to $3.50 on all hours worked and shift differentials of up to $3 for evening, night, and weekend shifts.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
