Care Attendant - 6E Brain Injury Rehab

Located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, UPMC Mercy has many different opportunities for those looking to step into the healthcare field. If you are looking for an exciting opportunity, apply TODAY!

UPMC Mercy is currently hiring a full-time Care Attendant to support its 6E Brain Injury Rehab department!

6E is an 18-bed Traumatic Brain Injury Unit. We are ranked 7th in the nation by Newsweek. We specialize in providing a multidisciplinary approach to those recovering from traumatic brain injury and patients who have undergone a stroke and other neurological disorders. Our goal is assisting patients to achieve their highest level of function with a focus on discharging to home. We achieve this by emphasizing a teamwork approach across all disciplines. Nurses can work hand in hand with the top-rated physiatrist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech and language pathologist, and discharge plan managers to provide comprehensive care. We are also home to a phenomenally successful DOC (disorders of consciousness) program, that focuses on rehabilitation for this unique population.

Patient safety is a top priority at UPMC. Safety is not always as simple as sticking to protocols and double-checking details. Sometimes, patients necessitate observation to ensure their well-being.

Care Attendants are absolutely crucial to this goal, serving as a watchful set of eyes for the care team as well as a companion for the patient. Whether the patient is a fall risk, a flight risk, or simply in need of some extra attention, Care Attendants provide a steadfast presence in the room that communicates to the patient that they are safe and in good hands. Additionally, Care Attendants may assist on patient transfers, hygiene and personal care, and other comfort measures as needed.

For those inexperienced in health care, the Care Attendant role is a wonderful introduction to working directly with patients; for those with some health care experience, but who have yet to work in a hospital environment or have had limited contact with patients, the role is a great first step into the inpatient world.

Responsibilities:

• Provides observation and direct patient care as directed by the RN including, but not limited to activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, and ambulating, as well as turning and repositioning patients.

• Maintains an environment conducive to patient safety and recovery including, but not limited to completing safety checks, keeping the patient room clean and organized, cleaning patient-specific equipment, changing bed linens, and emptying linen hampers. 

• Acquires and distributes supplies and equipment to facilitate patient care delivery including, but not limited to, performing messenger functions, ordering, charging/crediting supplies, setting up patient care equipment within the scope of the Care Attendant position, and stocking patient rooms and unit supply areas.

• Delivers patient nourishments, fills water pitchers, and distributes patient mail as applicable if not directly with patient.

• Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reports changes in patient status. 

• Completes clerical functions as needed by department.

• Constructively receives feedback and direction. Identifies and communicates learning needs to the direct supervisor.

• Takes action to improve knowledge, skills, and performance.

• Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities, as needed.

• Participates in self-review as requested by the direct supervisor.

• Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team.

• Demonstrates understanding of cultural diversity, horizontal violence, and impairment in the workplace.

• Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace.

• Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment to patients and colleagues.

• Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department.

• Establishes appropriate and effective communication strategies.

• Establishes professional and respectful interpersonal relationships.

• Contributes to universal patient activities including, but not limited to, responding to telephones, assisting with meal trays, and accompanying patients during transport.

• Suggests and supports changes within the department.

• Assumes responsibility for assignment and views problems as challenges.

• Demonstrates awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department.

• Complies with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions and understands policies and procedures for blood borne pathogen exposure.

• Strictly adheres to all policies and practices relative to patient care and hospital-related information.

• Responds within the scope of the Care Attendant role to emergent situations.

• Provide one-on-one companionship/supervision with patients.

• *Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.

• *Performs other duties as assigned.