Patient Support Associate- 32 Hours, Evenings, Staffing Resources

Hospital for Special Care•New Britain, CT

5d•$17 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Support Associate provides safe and appropriate non-skilled therapeutic interventions as assigned. The role focuses on supervising patients to ensure safety, transporting patients in preparation for treatment, obtaining and preparing equipment needed for patient care, and maintaining a clean environment. The associate may also perform clerical duties within the staffing office. The position works primarily indoors and continuously with other people. Schedules may fluctuate frequently and unpredictably because of census and patient-specific needs. Work is often performed in a noisy, somewhat crowded setting, with exposure to body fluids, contagious disease, and bloodborne pathogens. There may also be occasional exposure to particles, chemicals, electrical agents, or thermal agents that could cause irritation. Employees may be asked to float to other patient care units or departments based on operational and patient care needs, if they have the required competencies and qualifications.

Requirements

Ability to work independently.
Ability to read, write, and understand directions in English.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
Ability to tolerate up to four hours of consecutive work.
Endurance for periods of constant sitting up to one and one-half hours and independent mobility up to one hour.
Ability to safely transfer patients and provide contact guarding or hands-on assistance.
Ability to lift or carry objects up to 10 pounds continuously, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 40 pounds frequently for patient transfers and bed mobility.
Ability to push or pull up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day for patient transport and mobility activities.
Ability to frequently change body position to access equipment in high and low areas and provide treatment interventions.
Functional fine and gross motor skills and upper-extremity sensation.
Intact vision for observing patients' non-verbal responses and conducting skin assessments.
Ability to initiate and interpret communication with patients and others.
Ability to apply previously acquired knowledge, use reasoning and organizational skills, and adapt to some new or unfamiliar situations.
Selective attention and concentration to complete tasks.
Basic writing skills, including formulation, content, syntax, and spelling; simple sentences or very short paragraphs are sufficient.
Ability to communicate spontaneously and receive and convey messages.
Ability to comprehend lengthy messages or paragraphs and follow multistage and three-step commands.
Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers, multiply and divide tens and hundreds by 2, 3, 4, and 5, and perform basic arithmetic operations.

Nice To Haves

One year of work experience with a special needs population.
Basic computer knowledge.
CPI or Safety Care.

Responsibilities

Assist with lifting, transporting, turning, guarding, and overall patient handling using proper body mechanics and safety awareness.
Observe patients and provide direct assistance with activities as assigned under the direction of a licensed nurse.
Demonstrate competency in using patient-related equipment as directed.
Observe and report changes in patient condition to appropriate team members.
Provide setup and feeding assistance during mealtimes.
Help maintain the orderliness and cleanliness of unit areas.
Document assigned tasks accurately and promptly using appropriate formats.
Order patient equipment and supplies as directed.
Obtain, organize, and clean equipment and supplies as directed.
Monitor available stock and maintain neat, orderly storage of equipment and supplies on the unit as assigned.
Set up and clean treatment areas, including pillows, linens, mats, and treatment tables.
Perform miscellaneous clerical and staffing office duties as needed.
Prioritize tasks to complete assignments and seek supervisory guidance as needed.