Patient Companion | Emergency Room | Days

Medical University of South Carolina•Lancaster, CA

11d

About The Position

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Patient Companion performs patient care, patient safety monitoring, and clerical support duties to help deliver 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 functions as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) and/or Unit Secretary, supporting direct care and unit operations. The role requires professional and ethical conduct, effective communication, and a commitment to a safe and therapeutic environment for patients, families, visitors, and staff. The employee may be cross-trained and assigned to multiple roles based on departmental needs. The position includes participation in orientation, ongoing education, competency validation, and performance improvement activities. The employee must follow hospital policies, safety standards, regulatory requirements, and confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
Ability to lift and move patients and equipment in accordance with hospital safety guidelines.
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.
Must comply with infection prevention and safety protocols.

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 ensuring the patient is not left 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 intervene appropriately to help prevent falls, self-harm, removal of medical devices, and other unsafe behaviors according to hospital policy.
Document observations, activities, and assigned patient data as required.
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 patient admission, discharge, and transfer procedures and support desired patient outcomes.
Process physician orders accurately and promptly according to hospital procedures.
Maintain organized and compliant patient charts, forms, and records, ensuring required documentation is present.
Answer telephones, relay messages, and communicate with physicians, staff, patients, and visitors.
Perform clerical and data-entry functions related to patient care and unit operations.
Order and maintain adequate unit supply inventory through materials management.
Assist with scheduling, record maintenance, and other administrative tasks, supporting workflow at the nurses' station and throughout the unit.
Cross-train and work in multiple roles according to departmental needs and staffing requirements.
Participate in orientation, ongoing education, competency validation, and performance improvement activities.
Follow hospital policies, procedures, safety standards, regulatory requirements, infection prevention protocols, and confidentiality standards.
Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior, compassion, respect, customer service, teamwork, and collaboration.
Perform other duties as assigned.