Patient Support Associate

Hospital for Special Care•New Britain, CT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Support Associate provides safe and appropriate non-skilled therapeutic interventions as assigned, focusing on patient supervision and safety, patient transport in preparation for treatment, obtaining and preparing equipment for patient care, and maintaining a clean environment. The role may also include clerical duties within the staffing office. The position is in the Pediatric Unit at Hospital for Special Care, with 24 scheduled hours per week on the second shift. Employees may be required to float to other patient care units or departments based on operational and patient care needs, provided they have the competencies and qualifications for the assignment. Work is primarily indoors, around others, and may take place in a noisy, somewhat crowded setting. The role involves exposure to body fluids, contagious disease, and blood-borne pathogens, and occasional exposure to particles, chemicals, electrical, or thermal agents that may cause irritation.

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; sit constantly for periods up to one and one-half hours; and remain independently mobile for periods up to one hour.
Ability to safely transfer patients and provide contact guarding or hands-on assistance.
Ability to lift or carry 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 make frequent body-position changes to access equipment and provide treatment interventions; functional fine and gross motor skills and upper-extremity sensation are needed.
Intact vision for observing patients’ non-verbal responses and assessing skin.
Ability to initiate and interpret communication with patients and others.
Ability to apply previously acquired knowledge, reason, organize, adapt to unfamiliar situations, concentrate, and complete tasks with selective attention.
Ability to formulate basic written material, including simple sentences or very short paragraphs, and to communicate spontaneously and receive and convey messages.
Ability to comprehend lengthy messages or paragraphs and follow multistage and three-step commands.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including adding and subtracting two-digit numbers and multiplying and dividing tens and hundreds by 2, 3, 4, and 5.

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 handling patients using proper body mechanics and safety awareness.
Observe patients and provide direct assistance with assigned activities 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 set-up or feeding assistance during mealtimes.
Help maintain the orderliness and cleanliness of unit areas.
Document assigned tasks accurately and in a timely manner 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 unit equipment and supplies 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.