Patient Safety Companion
About The Position
The Patient Safety Companion provides constant observation and support to patients who require close monitoring for medical or behavioral reasons. The role helps ensure patients’ safety and well-being while they receive care and requires attentiveness, compassion, and a commitment to maintaining a secure and comfortable environment. The companion also extends courtesy and support to patients’ families and visitors. The University of Maryland Medical System is a 14-hospital system providing academic, community, and specialty medical services. It serves as a regional and national referral center for trauma, cancer care, neurocare, cardiac care, women’s and children’s health, and physical rehabilitation.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Current CPR certification.
- Demonstrated maturity, tact, judgment, and sensitivity to people.
- Ability to function independently with minimal supervision.
- Knowledge of and support for patient and organizational confidentiality and related hospital policies.
- Ability to read and write.
- Ability to learn and use computer systems.
- Effective communication and interpersonal relationship skills.
- Ability to respond to patient behavioral changes.
- Ability to organize work priorities, perform several duties simultaneously, and function in stressful situations.
- Ability to work with others as a member of the healthcare team.
- Ability to complete documentation and forms related to patient observation.
- Strong verbal communication and excellent organizational skills.
Nice To Haves
- Previous healthcare experience.
- Knowledge of proper body mechanics.
Responsibilities
- Provide continuous observation of assigned patients to maintain safety, obtaining a verbal report from the patient’s nurse about care needs, diagnosis, barriers, and special considerations.
- Communicate with patients calmly and in a soft tone.
- Verbally redirect patients from risky or harmful behaviors.
- Summon nursing staff when patients need assistance using appropriate communication tools.
- Monitor patients and attempt to prevent self-harm, falls, elopement, smoking, or dislodging lines, oxygen apparatus, catheters, drains, or dressings by calling for assistance and redirecting through communication.
- Request immediate assistance for changes in patient condition or disruptive behaviors.
- Initiate CPR as needed to support patient care and safety.
- Maintain standard and isolation infection-control precautions.
- Maintain the appearance and order of patient rooms and work areas.
- Engage patients in appropriate diversional activities, such as coloring and games.
- Model excellent customer service and act on opportunities to respond to customer needs and prevent potential complaints.
- Initiate and report service-recovery steps taken in response to customer concerns.
- Monitor patients according to their age, culture, ethnicity, spirituality, and individual diagnostic needs.
- Use hand-off communication to convey appropriate clinical and patient information.
- Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA.
- Help provide an inclusive environment for peers, orientees, and students.
- Voice differences of opinion professionally through appropriate channels.
- Assist in ensuring patient safety.
- Attend required education and training.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
