Patient Support Assistant
About The Position
The Personal Support Assistant (PSA) provides hands-on, non-medical care to adults in their homes, supporting activities of daily living and select health-related tasks permitted under agency policy. PSAs work independently in the home and follow individualized care plans to promote patient safety, comfort, and functional independence. Successful completion of the agency’s internal PSA licensure program is required. The PSA collaborates with supervisors and promptly communicates changes in patient condition to support high-quality, coordinated care. This position is part of Vanderbilt Health’s clinical and nursing support workforce. The role involves routine work that may affect team performance, using established standards and processes, and providing guidance to entry-level coworkers. The employee is expected to communicate respectfully with patients, families, and supervisors, provide compassionate service, maintain quality and safety, use resources responsibly, and adapt to changes.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Less than one year of experience level listed.
- Successful completion of the agency’s internal PSA licensure program.
- Proficiency in hands-on activities-of-daily-living care and mobility assistance for adults with varying levels of physical dependence.
- Ability to apply safe transfer techniques, environmental safety checks, and fall-prevention strategies in the home.
- Ability to identify and promptly communicate meaningful changes in physical, behavioral, or functional status.
- Ability to follow structured care plans, prioritize tasks independently, and remain within PSA scope.
- Ability to communicate respectfully with patients, families, and supervisors and document services according to agency standards.
Responsibilities
- Provide hands-on assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, incontinence care, and safe meal assistance for adults requiring physical support.
- Perform limited health-related tasks, including cueing for medication routines, supporting simple mobility exercises, and assisting with safe transfers using agency-approved techniques.
- Deliver in-home care independently according to the patient’s service plan and adapt tasks as needed to maintain safety while staying within PSA scope.
- Observe and promptly and accurately report meaningful changes in a patient’s condition, behavior, functional status, or home environment to the assigned supervisor.
- Use safety and risk-reduction practices, including fall-prevention strategies, proper body mechanics, and techniques for supporting adults with decreased mobility.
- Maintain accurate service documentation according to agency standards and state requirements, completing visit records in real time or the same day.
- Communicate clearly and courteously with patients, families, supervisors, and colleagues.
- Check work quality, follow safety and regulatory requirements, and report unsafe conditions.
- Complete assigned activities accountably, use accurate information in decision-making, and adapt to changing instructions.
- Offer suggestions or accept initiatives to improve day-to-day operations and use appropriate tools and procedures.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package that may include health, disability, retirement, and/or wellness offerings.
- Opportunities for professional growth.
- A supportive community and sense of purpose.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
