Patient Companion

Stanford Medicine Children's Health•Palo Alto, CA

1d•$29 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

Patient companions or sitters are health care workers assigned by nursing staff to observe patients who are at risk for adverse events (falls, self injury, harm to others). The patient companion will follow the plan of care for the patient as outlined by the RN and will keep the assigned patient under continuous observation at all times, including during transport and while using the bathroom. Any changes in the patient condition will be reported to the co-assigned RN immediately.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED equivalent
None required.
None required.
Ability to accurately, completely, and independently perform the reading, writing, and arithmetic required by the job.
Ability to be patient and courteous and use active listening skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients, and families, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to demonstrate customer service skills in interactions with all patients, families and staff, including high volume and stressful situations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Ability to provide appropriate care based on the needs of the specific individuals, including age.
Ability to solve problems effectively using appropriate resources; is productive in workflow, skills, and organization.
Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English effectively at a level appropriate for the job.
Accompany patients being transported off unit as needed. Knowledge of hygiene, isolation procedures, and universal precautions.

Responsibilities

Receives handoff from RN who is assigned to the patient, Communicates with RN during shift about patient status.
Performs hand hygiene before and after patient contact. Carries out isolation procedures and utilizes universal precautions.
Maintains safe environment for patient by performing constant observation. Accompanies patient when leaving unit. Utilizes safety devices (bed rails, wheel locks). Notifies RN if tubes/catheters become disconnected or if patient condition changes from baseline.
While performing constant observation, provides diversionary activities such as reading, play, TV. Orients patient to person, time and place, as needed.
Anticipates needs for patient including placing useful items around patient and providing companionship as well as observation.
With patients on suicidal precautions, observes for patients surroundings/belongings or if patient is trying to obtain items that could cause themselves injury or harm.
Utilizes C I Care fundamentals at all times and with every interaction.