HCSS Patient Safety Assistant

Patient Safety Assistant

Per diem position. The patient safety assistant provides activities which support the daily functions and operations of an assigned patient care unit. To provide continuous observation and appropriate documentation on activity of an assigned patient who has been identified as having increased risk for injury. Works with the multidisciplinary team through clear and timely communications. Reports directly to the assigned patient's nurse and/or charge nurse, working to promote safety in patient care.

Major duties/critical tasks:

• Contributes to the success of UTMB Health Care Systems Staffing.
• Prior to the start of the shift, receives a report from the assigned nurse on the following: patient's name and pertinent social information regarding the family, the reason that the patient has been assigned a Patient Safety Assistant, and specific concerns (as identified in the medical record, by family members, by the previous shift's staff, etc.) regarding the patient's safety needs.
• Documents and reports sequential events on the appropriate records or log and communicates patient's needs or specific changes to the assigned nurse and/or charge nurse.
• Assists with safe, prompt transfers of patients from various hospital/clinic areas.
• Does not leave patient unattended at any time.
• Transports specimens and requisitions to the appropriate areas.
• Helps to feed patients who need assistance to eat.
• Assists with personal care, including baths, weighing, and linen and bed changes.
• Recognizes obvious patient care priorities; communicates patient needs/emergencies to the appropriate staff.
• Provides simple comfort measures that do not interfere with the primary role of continuous observation of the patient.
• Follows policies and operating procedures when relieving in a supply booth as well as clinical area: orders adequate supplies, checks for expiration dates, verifies charges, as directed by supervisor.
• Records activities requiring documentation and signs on the appropriate records/logs.
• Always maintains patient's privacy and confidentiality of information.
• Provides a clean, safe environment; performs or assists others to perform proper aseptic techniques, isolation procedures, and infection control measures.
• Adheres to internal controls established for department.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge/skills/abilities:

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and/or in written form.
• Customer service orientation and values.
• Ability to negotiate solutions and outcomes.
• Team player.
• Ability to maximize people and financial resources.
• Ability to work in partnership with management and staff.

Equipment:

• Patient Call Systems.
• Patient bed settings and bed alarms.
• Posey Sitter Elite/

Working environment:

• Standard patient care equipment.
• Standard hospital environment.

Physical demands/working conditions:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Work environment is in a comfortable indoor area.
• Conditions, such as noise, odors, cramped workspace and/or fumes could sometimes cause discomfort.
• Moderate physical effort may be required such as walking, standing, sitting, and lifting.
• Vision, hearing, talking, and sense of touch abilities must be adequate to enable clear and accurate verbal communication with patient, family, or staff.
• Alertness and careful attention to detail will be required to avoid injury.
• May be exposed to such occupational hazards as hospital acquired infections and communicable diseases.
• Other: Specific job requirements or physical location of some positions allocated to this classification, may render this position security sensitive, and thereby subject to the provisions of Section 51.215, Texas Education Code.
• Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require the prior approval of the Executive Director of Human Resources/Representative.

Required education/experience:

• High school or equivalent.
• 6 months to 1-year prior experience in a health care setting.
• Prefer previous hospital experience.
• Must have valid CPR/BLS certified through American Heart Association.