Patient Care Companion

Scheduled Hours : PRN / As Needed, looking for someone who can work year round. Weeknight AND Weekend Night availability needed.

Night Shift hours are 10 : 30 pm to 7 : 00 am.

Education / Experience Required :

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required :

• Good communication skills.
• Courteous and professional interpersonal skills.
• Highly compassionate.
• Basic reading skills.
• CPR from American heart Association

Major Responsibilities :

• Ensures a secure and safe environment by maintaining a continued awareness of safety hazards and observation of the patient.
• 1)Follows established policies and procedures for precautions, i.e., suicide, seizure, falls, elopement, restraining, provides restraint alternatives when appropriate;

i.e., diversional activities.

• 2)Follows established policies and procedures for emergency plans and codes.
• 3)Accompanies assigned patient at all times, i.e., walks in the hallway to various ancillary departments.
• 4)Never leaves assigned patient unattended, ensures that patient is continuously monitored before leaving room, i..e, breaks, end of shift, to accompany patient on transport.
• Performs tasks related to maintaining the integrity of patient care standards and efficient unit operations.
• 1)Demonstrates ability to respond to emergency situations.
• 2)Maintains and develops technical skills by attending mandatory yearly inservices.
• 3)Practices within the policies and procedures of infection control by properly disposing of contaminated materials and utilizing proper attire when in direct contact with the patient in isolation.
• 4)Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
• 5)Communicates with patients, families, and other health professionals in a positive and respectful manner.
• 6)Supports patient / family teaching by working with all members of the health care team and seeks out the registered nurse when clinical information is requested, notifies the RN when family questions arise.
• 7)Communicates patient needs and observed changes in assigned patients' behavior to RN caring for patient.
• 8)Communicates a verbal change of shift report on assigned patients to RN caring for patient and oncoming Patient Care Companion.
• 9)Acts as a patient / family advocate by providing comfort, assistance, and information as appropriate, assists in the orientation of the patient and family to the environment.
• 10)Demonstrates awareness of the patient's plan of care, i.e., activity, diet, diversional needs, family and social issues.
• Performs tasks related to meeting the nutritional needs of the patient.
• 1)Assists patient with meals as directed by Registered Nurse or Clinical Tech
• 2)Provides proper tray set-up and patient positioning with consideration to special needs.
• 3)Assists patient in menu selection.
• 4)Provides accurate information to Registered Nurse or Clinical Tech for intake / output.
• Performs tasks related to maintaining the integrity of patient care standards and efficient unit operations. (Accountability C continued...)
• 1)May be requested to participate in the orientation of new Patient Care Companions while still performing own duties.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions :

• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to patient-focused care.
• Ability to work in an environment with established time constraints and in difficult situations.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases.
• Ability to perform lifting / transfer activities related to patients with assistance (up to 50 lbs. may be required).
• Ability to work designated shifts including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to transport objects from one location to another.
• This position needs to recognize needs and behaviors of specific age groups of patients treated.
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06 / 01 / 2015.

Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available.

Unique patient lifting / movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.

Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.