Patient Safety Associate - Nights
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. Working as part of a core team, the PSA maintains a safe environment through continuous 1:1 monitoring of patients who may present risks such as falling, suicidal ideation, line pulling, elopement, or aggression. The PSA collaborates with Registered Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, and other care providers and receives training in managing harmful behaviors, therapeutic patient interaction, safe de-escalation, and virtual monitoring equipment and software. The role involves monitoring and supporting patients, communicating respectfully with patients and families, documenting interactions in the Electronic Health Record, participating in hand-offs, assisting with general care needs, and transporting patients when necessary. The PSA follows emergency and safety protocols, protects patient rights and confidential information, responds to clinical staff direction, and maintains ongoing competency through training and education.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
- Ability to interact with and use 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 remain alert for prolonged periods.
Nice To Haves
- Prior knowledge of mental or behavioral health conditions and their presentation in pediatric patients.
- Certification or training 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
- Maintain a safe environment for patients, families, and staff through continuous patient monitoring; when at the bedside, remain at arm’s length and face the patient, including when the patient is in the bathroom.
- Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients and families to foster therapeutic and collaborative relationships.
- Monitor patients for behavioral changes, redirect them as needed, and collaborate with appropriate clinical staff to intervene.
- Use age- and developmentally appropriate therapeutic interactions, behavioral monitoring, and de-escalation interventions.
- Reinforce goals, expectations, and behavioral limits set by the care team.
- Navigate virtual patient monitoring technology and complete the system’s 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 care considerations, priorities, and support needs for continuously monitored patients.
- Perform components of general care, including eating, hydration, and elimination support, when needed.
- Transport patients to and from other units and testing areas as necessary.
- Respond promptly and appropriately to direction from nursing and other clinical staff.
- Follow safety techniques and hospital and departmental policies; report injuries, accidents, and other safety issues to a supervisor.
- Support clinical operations and decisions related to treatment plans and respond to environmental concerns such as maintenance or cleanliness.
- Participate in scheduled staff meetings and consistently adhere to scheduling requirements.
- Maintain patient rights and protect confidential and protected health information.
- Comply with policies related to the patient safety associate role and maintain job competency through training, ongoing education, and age-related and cultural competencies.
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
- Paid parental leave
- 403(b) with a 5% employer match
- Supplemental life, AD&D, and disability coverage
- 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
- Possible hourly employee differentials
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
