Patient Safety Attendant

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

1d•$25 - $25

About The Position

The Patient Safety Attendant (PSA) will be responsible for providing constant observation for assigned patients. Responsible for remaining actively engaged with the patient when they are not resting and monitoring the patient for safety and assisting care provider staff as appropriate. The PSA will receive daily assignments from the House Supervisor on duty and receive directions from the primary RN. SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement. Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED – required
BLS within 30 days of post hire
HSS training within 30 days of post hire
Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years
None - Will receive on the job training
Knowledge of: SEARHC policy and procedures, both organizational and departmental
HIPAA and confidentiality requirements
Patient Rights
SEARHC Code of Business Conduct
Basic education of disease processes necessitating need for constant observation
Educated in patient and PSA safety (i.e. standard precautions, hand washing, contact isolation, etc.) fall/injury prevention, back safety, safety goals
De-escalation techniques
Knowledge of diversional activities
Skills in: Professional interpersonal communication skills (both verbal and written)
Interpersonal skills which enable the PSA to appropriately respond to a variety of patient and family requests, to respond to inquiries from the providers, nursing staff and to check for understanding, allay apprehension, and enlist cooperation of the patient
Engaging and monitoring the patient for safety
Refer care concerns to the RN, House Supervisor, and/or provider
Ability to: Incorporate population specific needs into all aspects of communication and patient care, scope of services provided will encompass age groups ranging from infant through geriatric
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships
Utilize time management concepts to maximize time effectively
Work effectively in a team environment
Work with general supervision
Basic knowledge of computer software platforms
Must be able to travel between MEMC and Sitka LTC assignment as directed by House Supervisor
Employees are responsible for complying with safe work rules; reporting all accidents and injuries immediately; cooperating in all accident and injury investigations; reporting defective equipment and unsafe conditions.

Responsibilities

Provides direct observation by remaining at a safe distance to the patient and staying alert and focused on to ensure patient safety
Adapts environment to provide maximum comfort for patients – room temperature, room lighting, noise levels (generally quiet with low stimulation)
Calms the patient as needed and provides diversional activities/distractions such as reading, games, coloring, television, or taking the patient for a walk as allowed
Maintains a safe room environment by keeping room free of obstacles and clear of any items that may be used to harm self or others
Maintains a safe room environment by keeping room free of obstacles and clear of any items that may be used to harm self or others
Helps patients that can walk with minimal assistance to the restroom, help with the use of a walker, push a wheelchair, etc.
Assists Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA’s) or other care providers with simple tasks such as bed making, filling water pitchers as appropriate, emptying garbage and keeping room order
Performs other duties as assigned or needed to meet the needs of the patient/department
May be requested to assist with transferring or transporting patients
May be requested to assist with various clerical tasks such as stocking, filing, building down time folders, etc.
Supports and models behaviors consistent with SEARHC’s Mission, Vision, Values, Code of Business Conduct, and Service Expectations
Maintains competency and all organizational, departmental, and outside agency environmental, employee, or patient safety standards relevant to job performance
Identifies needs and sets goals for own growth and development, meets all mandatory organizational and departmental requirements