Patient Safety Associate - Inpatient - Rotating - PRN

Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems; Tappahannock (VA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems is seeking a Patient Safety Associate to provide 1:1 safety observation and basic direct patient care under the direction of the RN, rotating to ICU, Acute, and ER as needed.

The PSA serves as a liaison between patient and nurse, reports concerns to the nurse on duty, and delivers customer service to patients, families, and visitors while documenting care in the medical record.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Preferred Certified Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant program.
• Current enrollment in healthcare/humanities related associate or bachelor program.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 safety observation and basic direct patient care under RN direction.
• Serve as liaison between patient and nurse and report concerns to nurse on duty.
• Perform safety checks, environment checks, and assist with ADLs and mobility.
• Document patient care and observations in hospital records within set time frames.
• Escalate incidents posing harm to supervising RN or licensed practitioner.

Skills

1:1 safety observation

Verbal de-escalation

Care documentation

Communication with team

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certified Nursing Assistant program

Healthcare/humanities related undergrad/associate

Job description

Working as needed; will rotate to ICU, Acute, and ER as needed

The Patient Safety Associate (PSA) provides 1:1 safety observation and basic direct patient care, under the direction of the RN to include, but not limited to direct visual observation, verbal re-direction, safety checks, environment check care and comfort, personal care and hygiene, ADLs and mobility/fall prevention. The PSA serves as a liaison between patient and nurse to report concerns or changes to nurse on duty, providing customer service to patient, patient family and visitors and if applicable, provides documentation for patient care.

Essential Function

Provides 1:1 safety observation for patients requiring safety observation, including, but not limited to high risk suicidal, psychiatric, medical and surgical compromised patients with dementia, delirium, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse withdrawal and other diagnoses for potential patient harm.

Provides the appropriate verbal intervention/de-escalation with the patient, Provides patient with explanation of care as necessary, but does not counsel or offer opinion.

Maintains environment conductive to patient safety and recovery, including, but not limited to safety checks, environment of care room checks for ligature points and contraband, keeping patient room clean and organized, changing bed linens, and emptying linen bins.

Under the direction of RN or independent licensed practitioner, the Patient Safety Associate provides safe and direct care to patients on their assigned units making age appropriate adjustments as needed. Care is given to patients with and without medical complications to meet their comfort, ADL's, such as personal hygiene IE: bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating and safety needs. Care will be in accordance with nursing and medical plans of care and delivery per VCUHS Nursing and Hospital policy and procedure. Upon discovery, the Patient Safety Associate immediately reports any incident posing harm or threat to a patient to the supervising RN or independent licensed practitioner.

Under the direction of an RN or independent licensed practitioner, the Patient Safety Associate identifies own learning needs and demonstrates a commitment to meeting those needs. Work behaviors comply with written clinical and administrative directives. Individual communication skills are demonstrated in all interactions with members of the healthcare team. Interaction problems with co-workers are resolved at time of occurrence or reported to supervisor. Attends staff meetings or reads minutes as evidenced by signature on minutes. Participates in mandatory CA activities and unit-based QA/CQI activities.

Using established written, oral and electronic communication systems, the Patient Safety Associate documents patient care and clinical support activities in accordance with VCUHS Hospital and Nursing policies, procedures and standards of care within specified time frames. Documentation completed for 100% of assigned patients and pertinent patient observations reported to the supervising RN or independent licensed practitioner.

Performs other duties as assigned and/or participates in special projects in order to support the mission of VCUHS and department; Provides assistance to team members; Accepts alternate assignments, as required, graciously.

Required Education

High school diploma or GED

Preferred Education

Certified Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant program

Current enrollment (or planned) in accredited school in healthcare and/or humanities related associates or baccalaureate IE: Nursing, Medical, PT/OT, Pharmacy, Health Administration, Dental, Nutrition, PA, Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Chemistry, Forensics

Licensure/Certification Required

Current AHA BLC HCP certification

Licensure/Certification Preferred

Certified Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred

• ONE-year experience as a certified nurse assistant or medical assistant.
• ONE-year experience in healthcare related field with direct patient care

Compensation Range

$16.00 - $23.53

Actual salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant work experience, credentials, and qualifications.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran