Patient Safety Associate

McLaren Health Care•Port Huron, MI

21h

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 receives patient-care information from nursing staff, maintains visual observation, follows the nurse’s instructions regarding ambulation and redirection, and supports patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction. The position also includes communicating changes or untoward events to the RN, performing safety rounds in the Mental Health Unit, and contributing to effective unit communication and operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to provide a safe and therapeutic environment based on the ages of the patients served.
Well-developed communication and customer service skills.
Skill in problem solving and working effectively with people.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Well-developed communication and listening skills.
Knowledge of HIPAA, including patient rights, privacy, and confidentiality.
Ability to understand, interpret, explain, and use data.
Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a nursing assistant program.
One year of related experience.

Responsibilities

Obtain a verbal report from nursing staff about patient-care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, and special considerations such as NPO status or bed alarms.
Position at the patient’s bedside to maintain constant visual observation, and 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 testing or procedures off the unit and remain within arm’s length, unless otherwise directed by the person performing the test or procedure; do not transport patients for testing and procedures off the unit.
Provide for patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction, and maintain a safe and orderly patient environment.
Work cooperatively as a team member and respond to the responsible nurse’s directions as patient or unit needs change.
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 health care members.
Record collected data accurately and legibly, and notify the RN of untoward events such as behavioral changes or violent behavior.
Perform safety rounds within the Mental Health Unit.
Perform other related duties as required and directed.
Support McLaren Port Huron’s mission and vision through behaviors that reflect and integrate its values.
Attend at least 50% of unit meetings and read and initial the minutes of meetings not attended.
Contribute to effective communication and the efficient operational needs of the unit.
Demonstrate a commitment to continued self-growth and maintenance of competency.