Patient Safety Companion, Full Time Easton

University of Maryland; Easton (Northampton County); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking compassionate individuals for a vital role in patient observation. This position requires constant monitoring and support for patients needing close attention due to medical or behavioral reasons. The ideal candidate will demonstrate maturity and effective communication skills while ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for patients. Responsibilities include engaging patients in activities, maintaining confidentiality, and collaborating with healthcare teams. If you are dedicated to patient care and safety, this opportunity offers a rewarding experience in a supportive healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required, with CPR certification and healthcare experience preferred.
• Demonstrates effective communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Provides continuous observation and support to ensure patient safety.
• Engages patients in diversional activities and maintains a calm environment.
• Initiates CPR as needed and maintains infection control practices.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Interpersonal relationship skills

Ability to respond to patient behavioral changes

Organizational skills

Ability to function independently

Knowledge of body mechanics

Education

High School diploma or equivalent (GED)

Current CPR certification

Tools

Computer systems

Job description

Job Description

General Summary

Provides constant observation and support to patients who require close monitoring due to medical or behavioral reasons. Presence helps ensure the safety and well-being of these patients while they receive care. This role demands attentiveness, compassion, and a commitment to maintaining a secure and comfortable environment for the patient. Extends courtesy and support to patient's family/visitor.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

Position located in Easton but has potential to be relocated to offsite Emergency Departments

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Provides continuous observation of assigned patients to maintain patient safety. Obtains verbal report from the patient’s nurse to include information regarding the patient’s identified care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, as well as any special consideration (NPO, bed alarms, etc.).
2. Maintains a calm composure and a soft tone when communicating with the patient.
3. Verbally redirects the patient from engaging in risky and harmful behaviors.
4. Summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance through appropriate communication tools.
5. Monitors and attempts to prevent patient from self-harm, falls, eloping, smoking, dislodging IV lines, O2 apparatus, catheters, and/or drains and dressings through calling for assist (call bed, personal alarm) and attempting to redirect with communication.
6. Requests immediate assistance for noted changes in patient condition and/or disruptive behaviors.
7. Initiates C.P.R. procedure as needed to ensure patient care and safety.
8. Maintains infection control practices (standard precautions and isolation precautions).
9. Maintains appearance and order of patient rooms and work areas.
10. Engages the patient in diversional activities such as coloring and games as appropriate.
11. Demonstrates respect for individuals, customer service, teamwork and collaboration:
1. Models excellence in customer service behaviors. Identifies and acts on opportunities to respond to customer requirements. Acts to prevent potential customer complaints.
2. Initiates and reports service recovery steps taken in response to customer concerns.
3. Demonstrates the ability to monitor patients according to the age, culture, ethnicity, spirituality, and individual diagnostic needs of the persons served.
4. Uses hand-off communication to convey appropriate clinical/patient information.
5. Maintains confidentiality of patient information (HIPAA).
6. Provides an inclusive environment for peers, orientees and students.
7. Voices difference in opinion professionally through appropriate channels.
12. Assists in ensuring patient safety.
13. Assumes responsibility for attending required education and training.

Company Description

Qualifications

Education and Experience

1. High School diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
2. Current CPR certification required.
3. Previous healthcare experience preferred.
4. Knowledge of proper body mechanics preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrates maturity, tact, judgment and sensitivity to people.
2. Ability to function independently with minimal supervision.
3. Knowledgeable and supportive of patient and organizational confidentiality and related hospital policies.
4. Ability to read and write required.
5. Ability to learn and use computer systems.
6. Utilizes effective communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills.
7. Ability to respond to patient behavioral changes.
8. Ability to organize work priorities, perform several duties simultaneously and function in stressful situations.
9. Ability to work with others as a member of the healthcare team.
10. Ability to complete documentation/forms related to observation of the patient.
11. Demonstrates strong verbal communication skills and excellent organizational skills.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation:

• Pay Range: $17-$22.25
• Other Compensation (if applicable):
• Review the 2024-2025 UMMS Benefits Guide.