Patient Safety Associate

McLaren Health Care•Port Huron, 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 receives patient care information and instructions from the nurse, remains positioned to maintain constant visual observation, and follows directions concerning ambulation and patient redirection. When accompanying a patient off the unit for testing or procedures, the associate remains within arm’s length unless directed otherwise by the person performing the test or procedure. The role also supports patient comfort and satisfaction, communicates professionally, records observations accurately, and promptly notifies the RN of concerning events or behavioral changes. The associate works cooperatively with the care team, responds to changing patient and unit needs, and may serve as a runner or transport patients during emergencies as directed. The position supports McLaren Port Huron’s mission and values, contributes to effective unit communication and operations, attends or reviews unit meeting materials, and maintains competency through continued self-growth.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, including a high school diploma or GED.
Demonstrated ability to provide a safe and therapeutic environment based on the age of the patients served.
Well-developed communication, customer service, and listening skills.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively with people.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
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 the patient’s nurse about care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, and special considerations.
Maintain constant visual observation of the patient from a position at the bedside; do not leave the patient alone or out of sight unless specifically instructed by the nurse.
Obtain instructions from the nurse about ambulation limitations and how to redirect the patient if needed.
When accompanying a patient off the unit for testing or procedures, remain within arm’s length unless directed otherwise by the person performing the test or procedure; do not independently transport patients for testing or procedures off the unit.
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 team 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.
Support McLaren Port Huron’s mission, vision, and values through work behaviors.
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 commitment to continued self-growth and maintenance of competency.