Care Partner Med-Surg (WO)

Job Summary Care Partners are responsible for meeting the basic needs of patients by providing skilled bedside care under the direction of the Registered Nurse. Care Partners also perform the clerical duties necessary for the functioning of the nursing unit. Responsibilities General Patient Care Carry out the patient’s plan of care for physical needs. Apply broad knowledge of aseptic technique, medical terminology, and equipment. Assist nurses and physicians with procedures. Operate patient‑care equipment safely. Retrieve and deliver patient‑care items not routinely available on the unit. Complete unit clerical duties: transcription of orders, record maintenance, and unit receptionist functions. Prepare rooms for admissions and discharges; complete patient belongings list. Provide courteous service to patients, families, and visitors. Conduct purpose‑driven rounds, including post‑meal tray checks and issue resolution. Notify appropriate departments to maintain a clean, safe environment. Serve as a resource to coworkers, patients/families, medical staff, and ancillary personnel. Safety and Comfort Correctly place restraints and monitor for circulation, skin integrity, and breathing. Provide range‑of‑motion exercises and skin care, toileting, and opportunities for socialization. Operate cardiac monitors (on/off, alarm settings, strip acquisition, lead placement). Vital Signs and Measurement Obtain vital signs, temperature, abdominal girth, weight, and intake/output measurements. Perform point‑of‑care testing as approved by the hospital. Mobility and Exercise Apply pneumatic air stockings or Ted hose. Ambulate, turn, and position patients. Respiratory Care Assist with incentive spirometry and deep breathing. Set up oxygen therapy as directed. Monitor pulse oximetry and perform suctioning (oral, tracheal). Carry out tracheostomy care when stable. Wound Care Place patients on specialty beds. Perform sterile and non‑sterile dressing changes. Care for pin site after assessment. Bowel and Bladder Elimination Administer enemas and perform straight catheterization with catheter care. Hygiene Provide daily grooming, mouth care (including denture care), and perineal care. Ensure availability of fresh water at scheduled times. Specimen Collection Collect midstream, timed, and sterile urine, sputum, blood (venipuncture), and stool specimens. Measure urine specific gravity, pH, and other requested parameters. Clerical Duties Answer calls within three rings; provide directions and notify staff of new patients. Process pneumatic tube carriers and prepare daily worksheets. Verify census and maintain records; update charts and notify admissions of transfers, discharges, and deaths. Assist with specimen labeling, report critical values, and pre‑op checklist. Enter orders accurately, call departments for non‑computer‑able orders, and maintain backups during downtime. Complete medical record checks, including archives and required documentation within 24 hours of discharge. Safety/Infection Control Practice standard precautions and safe disposal of hazardous waste. Maintain a clean, clutter‑free environment and observe the dress code. Report risk management concerns and complete mandatory training (TB screening, ethics, safety, information security, abuse & neglect, blood‑borne pathogens, etc.). Service Excellence Deliver attentive, respectful, and courteous care; apologize for delays and resolve issues. Communicate effectively, maintain confidentiality, and provide clear education to patients/families. Participate in shift hand‑off, provide accurate reporting, and collaborate across departments. Use resources efficiently; recommend practice changes to increase efficiency and reduce waste. Personal Accountability and Performance Improvement Adhere to customer service standards and pursue continuous learning (staff meetings, in‑services). Identify and resolve problems, participate in data collection, and contribute to unit‑based PI plans. Age‑Appropriate Care Provide care for patients of various age groups—infant, child, adolescent, adult, geriatric—using appropriate assessment and communication skills. Specialized Care Apply restraints safely, monitor patient response, and release restraints promptly. Follow pain management plans and report pain complaints. Recognize and report signs of abuse or neglect. Qualifications Minimum education: High School graduate or GED equivalent, 18+ years of age. Post‑high‑school vocational or specialized training preferred. Completed required learning program with 80% passing score on written and skill examinations. Competencies: Infection control, patient‑care equipment operation, wound dressing, respiratory care, specimen collection, documentation, and safe patient handling. Physical requirements: prolonged standing/walking, lifting up to 100+ pounds, kneeling, bending, reaching, and pushing. Required certifications: BLS HCP (American Heart Association). Additional certifications may be required by department. Benefits Paid parental leave: one week for newborns or adopted children (pro‑rated based on FTE). DailyPay: voluntary access to earned base pay with fees. Upfront tuition coverage via FlexPath. Comprehensive benefits package to support health, wellness, and financial planning. Equal Employment Opportunity SSM Health is an equal‑opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr SSM-SLUH, Inc