Patient Safety Activities Companion

St. Mary's Healthcare•Amsterdam, NY

About The Position

St. Mary’s Healthcare is hiring a full-time Patient Safety Activities Companion for a 36-hour workweek. The position works days, weekends, and rotating hours. The hiring range is $17.51–$23.42; actual compensation depends on experience and other factors permitted by law. Eligible shifts may receive differentials: 10% for weekday evenings, 15% for weekday nights, 10% for weekend days, and 21% for weekend evenings and nights. The companion helps protect patients from falls or self-harm while supporting their comfort and satisfaction. Depending on assignment, the companion provides constant in-person observation at the bedside or remote observation using AvaSure Tele Sitter® equipment. The role also involves patient engagement, reporting changes or concerns to the care team, supporting certain daily care needs as directed, and documenting observations in accordance with hospital policies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to speak, read, and write English and follow instructions in English.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 90 days of the hire date.
Ability to organize and establish day-to-day priorities and use critical thinking.
Ability to multitask while remaining professional, focused, composed, and positive.
Excellent customer service, interpersonal, written communication, and oral communication skills.
Integrity, friendliness, compassion, and ability to establish appropriate and effective rapport with others.
Flexibility, initiative, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Effective critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word and Excel.
Strong organizational skills and ability to take and follow direction appropriately.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Previous healthcare experience.

Responsibilities

Monitor patients to help prevent falls or self-harm while attending to their comfort and satisfaction.
Provide patient safety observation through AvaSure Tele Sitter® remote monitoring or direct in-person constant observation, as assigned.
For virtual monitoring, maintain visual observation, verbally redirect patients through two-way audio and video devices, and immediately summon nursing staff when assistance is needed.
For in-person monitoring, provide direct bedside visualization and constant observation, engage patients, and intervene as needed.
Participate in shift reports with incoming or outgoing safety attendants and review pertinent patient information and behaviors.
Adapt services to patients’ physical and developmental attributes and create an environment that supports their safety needs.
Engage patients in appropriate diversion activities and encourage interaction and stimulation.
Assist with safe patient ambulation as directed by nursing staff.
Support patients with meals and proper nutrition.
Collaborate with the nursing team to assist with daily hygiene and comfort needs.
Observe and immediately report changes in patient status or safety concerns to the care team.
Communicate professionally with patients’ family members and address questions appropriately without counseling or providing opinions.
Document observations according to hospital policies and procedures.
Maintain patient confidentiality, dignity, and privacy, and follow hospital protocols.