Patient Safety Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Department:
Medical Surgical

Schedule/Status:
Varies; Full Time

Standard Hours/Week:
36

General Description:
Under the direction of the Registered Nurse/Charge Nurse, the Patient Safety Advocate (PSA) is responsible for constant face-to-face observation, healing interaction, and meets the immediate safety needs of the patient by observing the patient in the patient room or, via remote monitoring solution at all times. Responds to patient requests and performs other functions to ensure optimum patient care. Communicates in a timely manner to RN/Charge Nurse changes in patient condition. Demonstrates competency in all procedures within scope of practice, as appropriate to the ages of the patients served.

Key Responsibilities:

• Under direct supervision of the RN, the PSA will provide direct observation of patients for the purpose of providing a safer environment for the patient. Observes the patient or patients for unsafe behaviors, such as pulling at lines, drains and tubes, attempting to get out of bed without assistance or self-harm. Uses healing conversation, re-orientation, distraction tools and strategies to re-direct the patient with courtesy, respect, patience and understanding
• The PSA will provide status updates and reports regarding the patient including but not limited to relaying information to the nurse if the patient expresses any idea to hurt him/herself or others. Together with the Registered Nurse, interventions and goals will be established for the patient. Refers questions about the patient to the nurse or physician
• The PSA assists with patients activities of daily living including serving meals, feeding
  patients as necessary; ambulating, turning, and positioning patients; providing fresh water and nourishment between meals; emptying trash. When the patient is done eating, the PSA will put items back on the tray, covers and leaves by door for pick up. CNAs working as PSA provides routine care to the patient as outlined in the C.N.A. job description
• Responsible for ensuring the patients room and bathroom is kept neat and clean assists the Hospitality Services Department by straightening patient room during shift (trash, furniture, organizing counters and tables with patient input)
• Actively works to provide a healing environment to the patient by keeping area in and around the patient room quiet at all times.
• Assists with ambulation as requested.
• Follows Patient Safety Advocate guidelines as outlined.
• Protects organizations value by keeping patients information confidential.
• Knows fire, disaster and safety procedures and regulations as pertains to the work area.
• Performs similar or related duties as assigned, including but not limited to patient care activities outlined in Patient Safety Advocate Guidelines. *Indicates an essential job function.

Requirements:

Formal Education:

• High School Diploma/GED preferred.

Work Experience:

• No experience required.

Required Licenses, Certifications, Registrations:

• Resuscitation Quality Improvement ( RQI ) Responder course-completed during Orientation and renewed every 6 months

Full Time Benefits:
Eligible to participate in a number of PMC-sponsored benefits, including:

• Benefits Start on Day 1
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Program
• Tuition Reimbursement/Educational Assistance
• EAP, Flex Spending, Accident, Critical and Other Applicable Benefits
• Annual Accrual of 152 Personal Leave Bank (PLB) Hours