Patient Safety Associate - Acute Care - Nights - PRN

VCU Health • South Hill, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Safety Associate (PSA) provides 1:1 safety observation and basic direct patient care, under the direction of the RN. This includes direct visual observation, verbal re-direction, safety checks, environment checks, care and comfort, personal care and hygiene, ADLs, and mobility/fall prevention. The PSA acts as a liaison between the patient and nurse, reporting concerns or changes, providing customer service to patients, families, and visitors, and documenting patient care as applicable. The role involves providing 1:1 safety observation for high-risk patients with various diagnoses who may be a risk to themselves or others. The PSA maintains a safe environment, performs patient care according to the medical plan, and immediately reports any safety incidents. They identify learning needs, comply with directives, demonstrate strong communication skills, and participate in quality improvement activities. Documentation of patient care and observations is required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Current AHA BLC HCP certification

Nice To Haves

• Certified Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant program
• Current enrollment (or planned) in accredited school in healthcare and/or humanities related associates or baccalaureate IE: Nursing, Medical, PT/OT, Pharmacy, Health Administration, Dental, Nutrition, PA, Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Chemistry, Forensics
• Certified Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant
• ONE-year experience as a certified nurse assistant or medical assistant.
• ONE-year experience in healthcare related field with direct patient care

Responsibilities

• Provides 1:1 safety observation for patients requiring safety observation, including high risk suicidal, psychiatric, medical and surgical compromised patients with dementia, delirium, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse withdrawal and other diagnoses for potential patient harm.
• Provides the appropriate verbal intervention/de-escalation with the patient.
• Provides patient with explanation of care as necessary, but does not counsel or offer opinion.
• Maintains environment conductive to patient safety and recovery, including safety checks, environment of care room checks for ligature points and contraband, keeping patient room clean and organized, changing bed linens, and emptying linen bins.
• Provides safe and direct care to patients on their assigned units making age appropriate adjustments as needed.
• Provides care to patients with and without medical complications to meet their comfort, ADL’s, such as personal hygiene IE: bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating and safety needs.
• Ensures care is in accordance with nursing and medical plans of care and delivery per VCUHS Nursing and Hospital policy and procedure.
• Immediately reports any incident posing harm or threat to a patient to the supervising RN or independent licensed practitioner upon discovery.
• Identifies own learning needs and demonstrates a commitment to meeting those needs.
• Complies with written clinical and administrative directives.
• Demonstrates individual communication skills in all interactions with members of the healthcare team.
• Resolves interaction problems with co-workers at time of occurrence or reports to supervisor.
• Attends staff meetings or reads minutes as evidenced by signature on minutes.
• Participates in mandatory CA activities and unit-based QA/CQI activities.
• Documents patient care and clinical support activities in accordance with VCUHS Hospital and Nursing policies, procedures and standards of care within specified time frames.
• Completes documentation for 100% of assigned patients and pertinent patient observations reported to the supervising RN or independent licensed practitioner.
• Performs other duties as assigned and/or participates in special projects in order to support the mission of VCUHS and department.
• Provides assistance to team members.
• Accepts alternate assignments, as required, graciously.

Benefits

• Compensation Grade Range: $16.00 - $23.53
• Actual salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant work experience, credentials, and qualifications.
• Compensation Range: $16.00 - $23.53
• Actual salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant work experience, credentials, and qualifications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED