Patient Safety Attendant - Staffing Office/Float Pool, PRN, Nights

Mary Washington Healthcare•Fredericksburg, VA

About The Position

Under the direction of the RN, the Patient Safety Attendant performs companionship duties for hospitalized patients to ensure their safety. The attendant stays with a patient for the duration of the assignment and promotes positive relationships with the patient, family, and hospital staff. The role includes continuously observing patient activity and behavior, communicating relevant observations and changes to the RN, and assisting with requested vital signs and appropriate patient care. The attendant helps maintain a safe, orderly patient environment, accompanies patients to procedures and tests while maintaining observation, and documents duties in the electronic medical record. Coverage by the RN or designee must be arranged before leaving a patient unattended. The position requires the physical ability to use arms and hands constantly, stand, walk, and sit frequently, bend, stoop, and squat occasionally, lift up to 35 pounds, and push or pull up to 20 pounds. The attendant must have auditory and visual skills, including color determination. Mental requirements include critical thinking, analytical skills, multitasking, effective communication and collaboration, and the ability to cope with difficult situations. The role may involve exposure to radiation, toxic chemicals, and bloodborne pathogens, and requires the ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants with disabilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to speak, read, and understand written orders.
Ability to write reports in English.
AHA BLS Provider CPR required at hire.
Critical thinking and analytical skills.
Ability to multitask.
Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.
Capacity to cope with difficult situations.
Ability to tolerate irregular hours, including evenings, nights, and weekends.
Ability to use arms and hands constantly; stand, walk, and sit frequently; and bend, stoop, and squat occasionally.
Ability to lift 35 pounds and push or pull up to 20 pounds.
Auditory and visual skills, including color determination.
Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment when exposed to workplace hazards.

Responsibilities

Continuously observe the patient’s activity and behavior to ensure a safe and comfortable environment.
Communicate regularly with the RN and report changes in patient condition, problems, concerns, and visual observations, including behaviors that could result in harm to the patient or others.
Obtain vital signs and communicate findings to the RN as requested.
Assist patients with hygiene needs as appropriate.
Assist the RN/CNA with linen changes and repositioning the patient.
Support the RN with accurate measurement and reporting of intake.
Assist the patient with nourishment and meals.
Maintain the patient environment in a safe and orderly manner.
Accompany patients to medical procedures and tests and maintain observation during them.
Ensure coverage by the RN or designee before leaving the patient unattended.
Document duties performed in the electronic medical record (EMR).
Perform other duties as assigned.