Patient Companion | PRN

C002 Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA); United States; On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Medical University of South Carolina seeks a PRN Patient Companion to provide continuous observation, assist with ADLs, and support nursing staff to ensure safe, patient-centered care. Roles include PCT and Unit Secretary duties as needed, with emphasis on communication and confidentiality.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, BLS certification, and willingness to work in variable PRN shifts, including weekends or nights. Training is provided to ensure safety and quality care.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience as Patient Care Technician or related role preferred.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

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 immediately to the Registered Nurse.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including toileting, feeding, ambulation, and repositioning as directed.
• Promotes patient comfort while maintaining a safe environment.
• Documents observations and activities as required.

Skills

Patient observation

Vital signs monitoring

ADL assistance

Effective communication

HIPAA compliance

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 PRN Cost Center CC005695 CHE - Patient Sitter (CMC) Pay Rate Type Hourly Pay Grade Health-17 Scheduled Weekly Hours 12

PRN Status Clause

PRN / "as-needed" means you are not guaranteed a fixed schedule or hours. You work when they have needs in the schedule. You must be available to work at least 12 hours every two weeks (bi-weekly minimum), as specified in your PRN Commitment Agreement. Your actual hours will depend on department needs, not a set schedule. You may be asked to pick up extra shifts to cover gaps (like call-outs or shortages). Your total hours can go up or down—some weeks you might work more, some less.

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.
• Assists 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 and Experience

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 fluids, and other healthcare-related hazards. May be required to work weekends, holidays, evenings, nights, and on-call shifts as needed. Must comply with all infection prevention and safety protocols.

Performance Expectations

Maintains patient safety as the highest priority. Demonstrates compassion, respect, and excellent customer service. Supports teamwork and collaboration across disciplines. Consistently follows hospital policies, procedures, and standards of care. Contributes to positive patient experiences and quality outcomes.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

Thank you for wanting to be part of the Medical University of South Carolina team. Whether you want to teach the next generation of health care leaders, innovate new business models, discover the next breakthrough or provide patient care, there's a role for you that fuels your passion and takes advantage of your skills. There are career opportunities available in academics, research, hospital medicine, physician practices and support services, from patient billing to IT. As an applicant, you can search jobs for all MUSC entities as well as search by category and location.

MUSC attracts more than $250 million annually in research funding, making it the biggest magnet for biomedical, extramural research dollars of all institutions of higher learning in South Carolina. The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program aims to advance clinical and translational science to increase the speed at which new treatments become available to patients. MUSC Health, the clinical enterprise, operates a 750 bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children's Hospital, the Ashley River Tower (cardiovascular, digestive disease, and surgical oncology), Hollings Cancer Center (one of fewer than 70 elite National Cancer Institute designated centers), a Level I Trauma Center and the Institute of Psychiatry. In addition, there are more than 100 outreach clinics, hospital/health system affiliations, and telehealth sites. U.S. News & World Report placed us among the top one percent of all American hospitals, with 11 specialties in the top 50. The MUSC Medical Center is also one of only three Magnet designated hospitals in South Carolina.