Patient Safety Attendant - P/T with Benefits Evening

Hackensack Meridian Health•North Bergen, NJ

3d•$17•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Safety Attendant supports patient safety through continuous visual monitoring, virtual observation, and in-person direct observation when required. The role includes using telesitter software and equipment, redirecting patients through audio or visual devices, notifying nursing staff promptly when assistance is needed, and communicating observed behavior or other concerns to the registered nurse. The attendant maintains a safe environment, follows nursing instructions regarding patient positioning and restraints, completes observation records, and assists with hygiene and toileting under direct registered-nurse supervision. Care should be adapted to the needs of the patient population, including age, culture, language, and sensory or developmental needs. The position requires the ability to monitor up to 16 patients continuously, remain alert, move or remain seated or standing for extended periods as patient needs dictate, communicate effectively with patients and hospital staff, and respond quickly to concerns and behavioral changes. The role also requires multitasking, prioritization, computer skills, and the ability to work with isolation precautions. AHA BLS Basic Health Care Life Support HCP certification is required within 60 days of hire.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, and/or completion of a GED-equivalent program.
Ability to continuously monitor up to 16 patients at one time and remain alert while on duty.
Ability to stay mobile with patients’ movements and to sit or stand for extended periods.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients using audio/visual devices.
Ability to communicate with hospital staff and respond quickly to patient concerns and behavioral changes.
Ability to multitask and prioritize simultaneous situations.
Ability to work in situations involving isolation precautions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficient computer skills, including potentially Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.
AHA BLS Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification, required within 60 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working in a hospital setting.
Prior experience in a direct patient care role.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate understanding and proficiency in using telesitter software.
Maintain visual observation, verbally redirect patients using room audio and/or visual devices, and promptly notify nursing staff when patients need assistance.
Set up telesitter devices in rooms requiring observation and make rounds to check equipment placement and working condition.
Participate in shift handoffs with other patient safety attendants, reviewing relevant patient information and behaviors.
During in-person direct observation, remain within arm’s length of the patient at all times.
Contact the registered nurse before leaving a patient’s bedside; do not leave the patient alone or with a visitor unless directed by the nurse.
Complete required observation records and reports.
Maintain bed rails as directed by the registered nurse and keep the bed in its lowest possible position.
Keep the call bell within reach.
Remove sharp objects from a patient’s reach when directed by the nurse.
Help prevent patients from removing tubes, IVs, drains, or dressings by explaining their purpose.
Observe restraints without applying or removing them; promptly inform the nurse if a restraint loosens or a tube or dressing is disrupted.
Report unusual behaviors, comments, or other concerns to the nurse immediately, including concerning visitor or family behavior.
Adapt care and communication to the needs of the patient population, including age, culture, language, literacy, developmental level, and hearing or visual impairment.
Assist with hygiene and toileting under direct registered-nurse supervision.
Perform other assigned duties or projects and adhere to HMH organizational competencies and standards of behavior.