Patient Safety Associate

McLaren Health Care•Mount Clemens, MI

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 such as 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 about identified care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, and special considerations. The associate remains at the patient’s bedside to maintain constant visual observation and does not leave the patient alone or out of sight unless specifically instructed by the nurse. The associate follows nursing instructions about ambulation limitations and redirection, accompanies patients during off-unit testing or procedures as specified, and works cooperatively with the care team. The position also involves communicating professionally, recording collected data accurately and legibly, and notifying the RN of untoward events.

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 about care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, and special considerations.
Maintain constant visual observation of the patient from the bedside; do not leave the patient alone or out of sight unless specifically instructed by the nurse.
Obtain instructions from the nurse regarding ambulation limitations and how to redirect the patient if needed.
Accompany patients during off-unit testing or procedures and remain within arm’s length unless otherwise directed by the person performing the test or procedure; do not transport patients for these purposes.
Provide for patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction, and maintain a safe, 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.