Patient Safety Companion

DCH Health System•Tuscaloosa, AL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Safety Companion observes patients, ensures their safety needs are met, and assists with basic patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Assignments may be on various units at Tuscaloosa and Northport DCH facilities. The role serves adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients and requires onsite physical presence, including the stamina to work a 12-hour shift. The companion supports personal care and safety measures according to the Registered Nurse’s plan of treatment and daily assignment. The position also involves documenting care, maintaining a clean and safe environment, following DCH policies and behavioral standards, and using electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software, and the intranet. Work may involve exposure to body fluids, disease, infection, laboratory chemicals, hazardous materials, and cleaning solutions, as well as wearing protective equipment.

Requirements

Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.
American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certification is required within 30 days of employment in the Patient Safety Companion role.
Must have basic computer skills to use the electronic medical record, email, time and attendance software, learning management software, and intranet.
Must have reliable transportation to support assignments between two facilities.
Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately, receive delegation, work in groups, handle conflict and time pressure, and perform structured and unstructured work accurately.
Must be able to tolerate prolonged standing and walking; reach reasonable distances; stand, walk, kneel, bend, sit, stoop, lift, and run in an emergency.
Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner and perceive temperature, texture, shape, and size with fingertips.
Must have normal hearing and vision, or correction to within normal range.
Must possess stamina to work a 12-hour shift and be physically present onsite.
Must be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Previous patient care experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Observe assigned patients at all times.
Help keep patients at risk of harming themselves or others safe, including limiting personal items in the room of a suicidal patient.
Assist with measuring and recording intake and output.
Assist with positioning, lifting, and turning patients.
Assist patients with bedpans, urinals, or commodes; provide care for incontinent patients and skin care for immobilized patients; assist with ambulation and feeding.
Carry out safety precautions listed on the daily assignment sheet.
Accurately document care according to policies and procedures.
Complete initial and annual competencies for the job class.
Apply safety principles and proper body mechanics when ambulating, transferring, positioning, and assisting patients with normal range of motion.
Use supplies economically and help maintain equipment and patient rooms in a clean, safe manner.
Maintain performance, patient and employee satisfaction, and financial standards outlined in the performance evaluation.
Meet compliance requirements in the Employee Handbook and follow DCH Behavioral Standards and DCH Health System policies and procedures.
Perform essential duties in a manner that promotes safety for patients, visitors, and employees; identify and reduce unsafe practices, risks, and hazards.
Use electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software, and the intranet.
Perform other duties as assigned.