Patient Safety Care Assistant

Job Summary: The Patient Safety Care Assistant works in a dual role under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to provide direct and indirect age-specific and developmentally appropriate patient care and proactively prevent patients from harming themselves or others by providing continuous remote monitoring and surveillance of multiple patients simultaneously through computerized technology. Understands and operates the approved components of the AvaSys TeleSitter Solution software and hardware system for patients that have been assessed and approved for video monitoring and surveillance in accordance with established policies and procedures. Ensures patients, visitors and staff are aware when video monitoring and surveillance is in progress and appropriate signage is placed. Interacts with the patient in real time using 2-way communication capabilities. Verbally redirects the patient when the patient displays at-risk behaviors or overt actions that may adversely impact the patient or interfere with workplace safety, e.g., getting out of bed without assistance, pulling at IV tubing, catheters, dressings, lighting a cigarette in bed, exhibiting aggressive behavior towards staff, taking unapproved drugs, recognizing seizure onset, detecting potential safety hazard or object in the room. Notifies designated healthcare team member immediately or as soon as possible for intervention with the patient as needed. Maintains constant monitoring and surveillance of assigned patients when on duty and coordinates replacement with supervisor or designee prior to leaving the monitoring station for any reason including breaks or meals. Seeks information and clarification of duties throughout shift as necessary. Keeps nurse in charge informed of changes in safety status and potential dangerous situations. Utilizes interpersonal skills to maximize customer service in a manner that supports excellence in customer service and safe patient care. Contributes to a work environment of caring and cooperation among a culturally diverse workforce and patient population. Demonstrates flexibility and willingly floats to other patient care areas as requested. Performs other duties as needed.

Education and Experience: Proof of completion of an approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program or completion of a nursing fundamentals course from a school of nursing required. Minimum of six months experience as a tele-sitter, patient care assistant or telemetry technician preferred.

Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of unlicensed assistant personnel scope of practice for healthcare required. Demonstrates competencies in fundamentals of patient safety and a safe work environment; knowledge of scope of practice for unlicensed healthcare team members performing monitoring and surveillance as an adjunct to safe patient care. Able to read, write legibly and speak in English (and Spanish preferred) with professional quality; use computer, printer and software programs necessary to the position, e.g., Microsoft Office, Outlook, electronic event reporting program, established organization electronic medical record, AvaSys TeleSitter Solution; operate and troubleshoot equipment utilized for position; perform basic patient care activities using proper body mechanics and safety precautions; comprehend and follow-through with instructions; relate and communicate positively, effectively and professionally with others; be assertive and consistent in following and enforcing policies; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure; collaborate; accept direction; think critically and use good judgment; problem solve and collaborate with RN as necessary; perform duties with supervision; perform basic math functions; manage multiple patient assignments effectively; organize and prioritize workload; problem solve; recall information with accuracy; pay close attention to detail; distinguish colors as necessary for position; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person, on the telephone and through the 2-way system communication technology; identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the work place and patient care; discern temperature variances through touch; see adequately to read computer screens, medical records and written documents necessary to position, exhibit professional behavior at all times.

Licensures and Certifications: Basic Life Support certification issued by the American Heart Association required. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) preferred.

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