Patient Safety Attendant

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC)•Sitka, AK

132d

About The Position

The Patient Safety Attendant (PSA) provides constant observation for assigned patients, remaining actively engaged when patients are awake and monitoring them for safety. The PSA receives daily assignments from the House Supervisor on duty and directions from the primary RN. The position also supports care providers with appropriate basic tasks and helps maintain a safe, comfortable patient environment. SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium serving the health interests of Southeast Alaska residents. It describes employees as its strongest assets and supports professional development and advancement. The position may involve travel between MEMC and Sitka LTC as directed by the House Supervisor.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Obtain BLS within 30 days of hire.
Complete HSS training within 30 days of hire.
Complete clinical competency requirements within three months of hire and every three years thereafter.
Knowledge of SEARHC organizational and departmental policies and procedures, HIPAA and confidentiality requirements, patient rights, and the SEARHC Code of Business Conduct.
Knowledge of basic disease processes that necessitate constant observation, patient and PSA safety, standard precautions, handwashing, contact isolation, fall and injury prevention, back safety, safety goals, de-escalation techniques, and diversional activities.
Professional verbal and written interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to respond appropriately to patient and family requests, respond to provider and nursing staff inquiries, check for understanding, allay apprehension, and enlist patient cooperation.
Ability to engage and monitor patients for safety and refer care concerns to the RN, House Supervisor, and/or provider.
Ability to incorporate population-specific needs into communication and patient care for age groups from infants through geriatric patients.
Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships, manage time effectively, work in a team environment, and work with general supervision.
Basic knowledge of computer software platforms.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including regularly talking or hearing; frequently standing, walking, sitting, using hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reaching; occasionally climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and lifting and/or moving 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Provide direct observation from a safe distance and remain alert and focused to ensure patient safety.
Adapt the environment for patient comfort, including room temperature, lighting, and noise levels.
Calm patients and provide diversional activities such as reading, games, coloring, television, or walks when permitted.
Keep the patient’s room free of obstacles and items that could be used to harm the patient or others.
Assist patients who can walk with minimal assistance, including helping them get to the restroom, use a walker, or move in a wheelchair.
Assist CNAs or other care providers with simple tasks such as making beds, filling water pitchers, emptying garbage, and keeping rooms orderly.
Perform other duties as assigned or needed to meet patient or department needs.
Assist with transferring or transporting patients when requested.
Assist with clerical tasks such as stocking, filing, and preparing downtime folders when requested.
Model behaviors consistent with SEARHC’s mission, vision, values, Code of Business Conduct, and service expectations.
Maintain competency and comply with relevant organizational, departmental, and outside-agency environmental, employee, and patient safety standards.
Identify development needs, set growth goals, and meet mandatory organizational and departmental requirements.
Comply with safe work rules; promptly report accidents, injuries, defective equipment, and unsafe conditions; and cooperate with accident and injury investigations.
Travel between MEMC and Sitka LTC assignments as directed by the House Supervisor.