Patient Support Associate

Hospital for Special Care•New Britain, CT

4d•$17 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Support Associate provides safe and appropriate non-skilled therapeutic interventions as assigned, with a focus on supervising patients to support safety, transporting patients 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 based in the Pediatric Unit at Hospital for Special Care and may float to other patient care units or departments when operational or patient care needs require, provided the employee has the competencies and qualifications for the assignment. The work is primarily indoors and involves continuous interaction with others. Work schedules and tasks may change frequently and unpredictably in response to census and patient-specific needs. The environment may be noisy and somewhat crowded, with exposure to body fluids, contagious disease, blood-borne pathogens, and occasional irritants such as particles, chemicals, or electrical and thermal agents. The role requires patient handling and mobility assistance, equipment use, observation and reporting, documentation, and occasional clerical work.

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 up to one and one-half hours of constant sitting and one-hour periods of independent mobility.
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.
Functional fine and gross motor skills and upper-extremity sensation.
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, use reasoning and organizational skills, adapt to unfamiliar situations, and maintain attention and concentration.
Ability to formulate basic written content, including syntax and spelling, and 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 addition and subtraction of two-digit numbers and multiplication and division of 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.
Float to other patient care units or departments when required, if qualified and competent for the assignment.