Patient Safety Assistant

Foundation Health•Fairbanks, AK

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Safety Assistant provides service to patients and visitors of Foundation Health Partners and screens people entering the facility. Screening includes asking questions, recording responses, taking temperatures, and providing additional instructions according to safety and procedure guidelines. The role also provides safety monitoring for an individual patient or group of patients, following instructions from the Registered Nurse (RN) and communicating with the RN upon arrival, departure, and as appropriate throughout the shift. The position may also provide requested items between departments, restock supplies, perform clerical duties, transport patients, and collect and disinfect reusable patient-care equipment. Patient support and transport must follow established safety, transfer, isolation, and infection-control procedures. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is a non-profit, Joint Commission-accredited facility owned by the Greater Fairbanks Community Hospital Foundation. It has 152 licensed beds and is the primary referral center for residents of Alaska's interior.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent working knowledge.
BLS certification required upon hire.
Physical ability to stand for long periods.
Interpersonal skills for working in a direct patient-contact environment.
Ability to interpret verbal and written information and instructions and communicate effectively with others.
Basic computer, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work with minimal direction in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Six months of previous healthcare or customer service experience.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Additional related education and/or experience.

Responsibilities

Greet and acknowledge patients, visitors, and coworkers entering and exiting the facilities; anticipate and respond to their needs and explain entry screening courteously and respectfully.
Conduct temperature screening and monitoring according to established protocols; follow procedures for suspected COVID-19 cases, contact appropriate personnel if difficulties arise, and use approved de-escalation techniques or diversional activities when appropriate.
Distribute requested items between departments, including possible retail pharmacy orders; restock supplies and perform clerical duties as needed.
Maintain a safe and secure patient environment during safety monitoring; be aware of the patient’s code status and restrictions and report concerns to the RN.
Transport patients safely between departments using proper transfer, isolation, and infection-control procedures; assist with patient handling and lifting using appropriate equipment and procedures; verify patient identity and promptly communicate changes in condition to clinical staff.
Collect, clean, and disinfect patient-care equipment and other reusable items; dispose of disposable PPE and clinical waste properly.
Follow the RN’s plan when providing patient support services and communicate services provided and changes in the patient’s condition to the supervisor or RN.