Patient Safety Associate

McLaren Health Care•Mount Clemens, MI

20d

About The Position

Under the supervision of an RN, the Patient Safety Associate provides close, continuous observation of patients who may be at risk for adverse events, including falls, self-injury, or harm to others. The role helps maintain a safe and clean environment and assists patients with activities of daily living unless their needs make adverse health consequences predictable. The associate obtains a verbal report from the patient’s nurse, maintains constant visual observation at the bedside, and follows nursing instructions about ambulation limitations and patient redirection. When accompanying a patient to testing or procedures, the associate remains within arm’s length unless directed otherwise by the person performing the procedure. The associate supports patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction, communicates professionally, records collected data accurately and legibly, and promptly reports untoward events to the RN. The position also responds to changing patient or unit needs and may serve as a runner or transport patients during emergencies as directed.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED (listed under Preferred).
Completion of a nursing assistant program (listed under Preferred).
One year of related experience (listed under Preferred).

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED.
Completion of a nursing assistant program.
One year of related experience.

Responsibilities

Obtain a verbal report from the patient’s nurse covering identified care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, and special considerations.
Remain positioned at the patient’s bedside to maintain constant visual observation; do not leave the patient alone or out of sight unless specifically instructed by the nurse.
Obtain nursing instructions regarding ambulation limitations and how to redirect the patient if needed.
When accompanying a patient to testing or procedures, remain within arm’s length unless directed otherwise by the person performing the test or procedure; do not transport patients off the unit for testing or procedures.
Provide for patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction, and maintain a safe and orderly patient environment.
Work cooperatively as a team member and respond as directed by the responsible nurse to changing patient or unit needs.
During a patient or environmental emergency, serve as a runner or transport patients as directed.
Communicate professionally and demonstrate respect for patients, families or significant others, and other healthcare members.
Accurately and legibly record collected data and notify the RN of untoward events, including behavioral changes or violent behavior.
Perform other related duties as required and directed.