Patient Companion - Central Region Float Pool (Emergency Departments Included) - Per Diem
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. The role maintains constant observation and a safe environment for patients requiring 1:1 supervision, remaining in clear sight of the patient unless nursing staff instruct otherwise. The Patient Companion redirects impulsive or harmful behavior and calls for assistance when redirection is unsuccessful or there is a risk of self-injury. The position accompanies patients when they leave the unit for reasons identified by their care provider and to clinical tests, procedures, or appointments off the unit. The companion talks with patients to help keep them focused, may assist with meals when swallowing precautions or carbohydrate counts are not required, helps make beds, activates bed and/or chair alarms, and assists staff with walking patients. The companion participates in shift reports and communicates pertinent information to the Registered Nurse at the end of the shift. This is a per diem role in the Central Region Float Pool, required to float to the Bloomsburg GBH, Danville GMC, and Shamokin GSACH campuses, including emergency departments. 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. The position is accountable for fulfilling job-specific obligations and following organizational policies and procedures.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Skills in clinical work, communication, computer literacy, interpersonal communication, precepting, and teamwork.
- Ability to complete a required two-week classroom orientation at the start of employment, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Responsibilities
- Provide a safe environment, companionship, and supportive care for patients requiring constant observation.
- Maintain constant observation and a safe environment for patients requiring 1:1 supervision.
- Remain in clear sight of the patient unless otherwise instructed by nursing staff.
- Accompany patients when they leave the unit as identified by their care provider and to off-unit tests, procedures, or appointments.
- Redirect impulsive or harmful behavior and call for assistance when unable to redirect a patient or when there is potential for self-injury.
- Participate in reports at the beginning and end of shifts, communicating pertinent information to the Registered Nurse at shift end.
- Talk with patients and use conversation to help keep them focused.
- Assist with meals when the patient has no swallowing precautions and does not 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
- Market-leading pay rates.
- Up to $3 shift differentials for evening, night, and weekend shifts.
- Up to $40,000 in financial support to become a nurse.
- 401(k) plan with automatic Geisinger contributions.
- Free Care.com membership with discounted backup care.
- Employee Assistance Program, including referrals for childcare, eldercare, and pet care; legal guidance; mental health visits; work-life support; and digital self-help tools.
- MyHealth Rewards wellness program.
- On-the-job training and education.
- Professional growth and advancement opportunities.
- Support and mentorship from nursing leaders.
- Employee referral incentive program.
- Healthcare benefits for full-time and part-time positions from day one, including vision, dental, and domestic partner coverage.
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What This Job Offers
Education Level
High school or GED
