Patient Safety Associate

The Patient Safety Associate supports the nursing staff by providing direct observation of patients on a continuous basis while on duty. The Patient Safety Associate is accountable to the clinical nurse/clinical charge nurse responsible for coordinating unit activities and will receive assignment from the staffing office. The Patient Safety Associate provides excellent services to all customers and communicates effectively with team members.

Essential Functions
• Effectively, consistently and constantly monitors the assigned patient and environment for safety.
• Immediately responds appropriately to inquires of staff, requests of patient.
• Identifies circumstances which require the need to report directly to the nursing staff patient behavior cues.
• Monitor the environment for safety: ensure safety alarms are on and that the room is free from unsafe items like sharp objects, cords, glass, metal cans, etc. and that there is no clutter or things that someone could trip on.
• Ambulate and assist the patient in and out of bed/chair with approval from the charge nurse/RN.
• Set up food tray for meals for patients who can self-feed.
• Always remain alert. Cell phone use, texting and heavy reading are prohibited while actively in patient room observing.
• Document on observation record throughout shift and per protocol.