Patient Safety Associate - Nights

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Safety Associate (PSA) provides on-site virtual or in-person direct observation of selected patients to identify at-risk behavior in accordance with hospital policies. PSAs join a core team to maintain a safe environment through continuous one-to-one monitoring of patients who may present risks such as falls, suicidal ideation, line pulling, elopement, or aggression. The role collaborates with Registered Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, and other care providers. Training is provided in managing harmful behaviors, therapeutic patient interaction, safe de-escalation, and use of virtual monitoring equipment and software. The PSA maintains a safe environment for patients, families, and staff; communicates respectfully with patients and families; observes and responds to changes in patient behavior; reinforces care-team goals and behavioral expectations; and documents interactions and care in the Electronic Health Record. The role also includes participating in patient hand-offs, assisting with general care needs when needed, transporting patients as necessary, responding to clinical staff direction, and following hospital safety, privacy, scheduling, and competency requirements. This position is based at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The listed pay range is $18.00–$27.00 per hour. Benefits for eligible full-time and part-time employees working 20 or more hours per week may include insurance, paid leave, retirement contributions, tuition assistance, and other programs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Ability to interact with software and hardware technology.
Ability to remain calm and manage verbal or physical responses in stressful situations.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Functional sight, hearing, and speech.
Ability to sit and stay alert for prolonged periods.

Nice To Haves

Prior knowledge of mental or behavioral health conditions and how they present in pediatric patients.
Certification or education as a nursing assistant, medical assistant, nursing student, or other allied health professional.
Experience working in a healthcare setting.
Experience working with children in a healthcare or school-like setting.

Responsibilities

Provide continuous on-site virtual or in-person observation of selected patients to identify at-risk behavior and maintain a safe environment.
When at the bedside, remain at arm’s length and facing the patient, including when the patient is in the bathroom, and perform other assigned monitoring activities.
Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients and families to foster therapeutic, collaborative relationships.
Monitor for behavioral changes, redirect patients as needed, and collaborate with appropriate clinical staff to intervene.
Use age- and developmentally appropriate therapeutic interaction, behavioral monitoring, and de-escalation interventions.
Reinforce care-team goals, expectations, and behavioral limits.
Navigate virtual patient monitoring technology and complete related daily tasks.
Know emergency protocols and intervene in anticipated emergency situations.
Document patient interactions, care delivered, and patient responses in the Electronic Health Record using behavioral support guidelines.
Participate in hand-offs at shift changes and communicate special care considerations, priorities, and support needs for continuously monitored patients.
Assist with general care needs, including eating, hydration, and elimination, when needed.
Transport patients to and from other units and testing areas as necessary.
Respond promptly and appropriately to direction from nursing or other clinical staff.
Follow hospital and departmental safety policies; report injuries, accidents, and other safety issues to a supervisor.
Support clinical operations and treatment-plan decisions, and respond to environmental concerns such as maintenance or cleanliness.
Participate in staff meetings as scheduled and consistently adhere to scheduling requirements.
Protect patient rights and the privacy and security of confidential and protected health information.
Comply with policies related to the PSA role and maintain ongoing job competency through training, education, and age-related and cultural competencies.
Perform other job functions as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Employer-paid group term life and disability insurance.
Employer contribution toward a Health Savings Account.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
403(b) plan with a 5% employer match.
Voluntary supplemental life, AD&D, disability, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage.
Tuition assistance.
Student loan servicing and support.
Adoption benefits.
Backup childcare and eldercare.
Employee Assistance Program and specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members.
Discounts on services at Lurie Children’s facilities.
Discount purchasing program.
Hourly employee differentials may be available.