Patient Support Associate - 24 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, with a focus on patient supervision and safety, patient transport in preparation for treatment, obtaining and preparing equipment needed for patient care, and maintaining a clean environment. The role may also include clerical duties in the staffing office. The position is scheduled for 24 hours per week on the second shift in Staffing Resources at Hospital for Special Care. Employees may be asked to float to other patient care units or departments according to operational and patient care needs, when they have the required competencies and qualifications. The work takes place primarily indoors, in continuous contact with others, and frequently in noisy, somewhat crowded settings. Schedules may fluctuate frequently and unpredictably based on census and patient needs. The role involves exposure to body fluids, contagious disease, and blood-borne pathogens, with occasional exposure to particles, chemicals, electrical or thermal agents. Physical tasks include patient handling and transfers, lifting and carrying, pushing and pulling, frequent changes in body position, and sustained periods of work, sitting, or mobility. The wage range is $16.94 to $24.46. Eligible employees may participate in a comprehensive benefits package, with eligibility for certain benefits based on scheduled hours worked.

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 for 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 for patient transport and mobility activities.
Ability to frequently change body position to access equipment and provide treatment interventions.
Functional fine and gross motor skills and upper-extremity sensation; intact vision for observing non-verbal patient responses and skin assessment.
Ability to initiate and interpret communication with patients and others.
Ability to apply previously acquired knowledge, use flexible thought and reasoning, organize tasks, and act in some new or unfamiliar situations.
Selective attention and concentration to complete tasks.
Ability to formulate basic written content with correct syntax and spelling, and to express simple sentences or very short paragraphs.
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 perform basic arithmetic, including addition and subtraction of two-digit numbers and multiplication and division involving tens and hundreds by 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Ability to work primarily indoors and around others continuously, in a setting that may be noisy and somewhat crowded.
Ability to work with frequent and often unpredictable schedule fluctuations due to census and patient-specific needs.
Ability to work around exposure to body fluids, contagious disease, and blood-borne pathogens, and occasional exposure to particles, chemicals, electrical or thermal agents.
Ability to float to other patient care units or departments when required, provided the employee has the competencies and qualifications for the assignment.

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 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.