Patient Companion - Emergency Room - Nights

musc; Nebraska; On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA) seeks a Patient Companion to monitor patients, assist with ADLs, and provide unit support under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. The role may serve as a Patient Safety Companion or function as a PCT and Unit Secretary as needed to maintain safe, patient-centered care.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED and current BLS certification. Prior healthcare experience is preferred; 36 hours per week with night shifts, hourly pay, and a

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous one-to-one observation to ensure patient safety.
• Assist with activities of daily living and mobility under RN supervision.
• Document observations and communicate changes to nursing staff.
• Process physician orders and maintain unit charts as needed.

Skills

Patient safety

Observation

ADLs assistance

Communication

Documenting care

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description Summary

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Patient Companion performs a variety of patient care, patient safety monitoring, and clerical support duties to ensure the delivery of safe, quality, patient-centered care. This position serves as a Patient Safety Companion when assigned, providing continuous observation of patients who require close monitoring to maintain safety. When patient observation is not required, the employee functions as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) and/or Unit Secretary, supporting direct patient care activities and unit operations.

The employee demonstrates professional conduct, ethical behavior, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for patients, families, visitors, and staff.

Entity

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Cost Center

CC005694 LAN - Patient Sitter (LMC)

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

Health-18

Scheduled Weekly Hours

36

Work Shift

Nights (United States of America)

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Companion Responsibilities

• Provides continuous one-to-one observation of assigned patients to ensure safety at all times.
• Maintains constant visual contact with the patient and never leaves the patient unattended unless relieved by authorized staff.
• Observes and reports changes in patient condition, behavior, or safety risks immediately to the Registered Nurse.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including toileting, feeding, ambulation, and repositioning as directed.
• Promotes patient comfort while maintaining a safe environment.
• Intervenes appropriately to prevent falls, self-harm, removal of medical devices, or other unsafe behaviors according to hospital policy.
• Documents observations and activities as required.
• Communicates effectively with nursing staff regarding patient status and concerns.
• Maintains patient dignity, confidentiality, and privacy at all times.

Patient Care Technician (PCT) Responsibilities

• Provides direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Obtains and records vital signs, height, weight, intake and output, and other patient data as assigned.
• Assists patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, mobility, and other personal care needs.
• Assists with patient transport, transfers, and ambulation using proper body mechanics and safety techniques.
• Collects specimens and performs delegated clinical tasks within scope of training and competency.
• Maintains patient rooms, equipment, and supplies in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Recognizes and reports changes in patient condition promptly to the Registered Nurse.
• Assists with admission, discharge, and transfer procedures.
• Supports a decentralized, patient-centered approach to care and contributes to achieving desired patient outcomes.

Unit Secretary Responsibilities

• Processes physician orders accurately and timely according to hospital procedures.
• Maintains patient charts, forms, and records in an organized and compliant manner.
• Ensures patient charts contain required forms and documentation.
• Answers telephones, relays messages, and communicates effectively with physicians, staff, patients, and visitors.
• Performs clerical and data entry functions related to patient care and unit operations.
• Orders and maintains adequate inventory of unit supplies through materials management.
• Assists with scheduling, record maintenance, and other administrative functions as assigned.
• Supports efficient workflow at the nurses' station and throughout the unit.

Additional Responsibilities

• Cross-trains and functions in multiple roles based on departmental needs and staffing requirements.
• Participates in orientation, ongoing education, competency validation, and performance improvement activities.
• Adheres to hospital policies, procedures, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintains patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational standards.
• Demonstrates ethical, professional, and appropriate behavior at all times.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience

Previous healthcare experience preferred.

Experience as a Patient Care Technician, Nursing Assistant, Patient Sitter, Unit Secretary, or related healthcare role preferred.

Certifications/Licensure

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to lift and move patients and equipment in accordance with hospital safety guidelines.
• Ability to remain alert and attentive during extended periods of patient observation.
• Ability to perform duties requiring manual dexterity, visual acuity, and effective verbal communication.

Working Conditions

Works in patient care areas with potential exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fl