ED Behavioral Health- Patient Care Partner- Per Diem

Patient Care Partner

Connecticut Children's is committed to providing a safe environment for patients, visitors and employees. The Patient Care Partner promotes the safety, health and comfort of patients, families and staff as related to the care of behavioral health/ psychiatry patients in the hospital. The Patient Care Partner may be assigned to Emergency Department or inpatient units to meet the unique needs of this population of patients. The Patient Care Partner is a staff member who has been trained to visually monitor a patient and provide direct patient contact or care. The Patient Care Partner may be assigned to the following patients:

• Homicide attempt
• Positive screen with suicide assessment or suicide attempt
• Violent behavior towards self or others
• Elopement/ wander risk
• Fall risk
• Confused mental state/ cognitive impairment
• Patients with eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia)

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Patient Care:

• Receives hand off from the care team to include reason for observation, patient behaviors and any concerns/ risks. Provides hand off at the end of assignment.
• Notifies the primary nurse of changes in patient behavior. Collaborate with patient care nursing staff regarding all aspects involved with the patient being observed. Communicate effectively with the patient nursing staff regarding observed patient behaviors and all changes.
• Understands the observation levels and adheres to the standards for the assigned role (constant observation, 1:1, roving attendant/ every 15 minute checks) Provide direct, face-to-face, observation of patients at risk for harming themselves or others and/or for patients placed in restraint and/or seclusion.
• Incorporate de-escalation techniques in daily practice with patients being observed as needed.
• Records observations in the patient record at the designated documentation interval for observation level. Accurately document all information pertinent to the patient's behavior on correct forms within designated timelines according to Connecticut Children's policy.
• May travel with patient off the unit for testing or other reasons as determined by the care team.
• Assists with supervised clothing changes and secures patient belongings.
• Assists patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (bathing, dietary, escorting patient off unit).
• Completes patient documentation as appropriate.
• Provides environmental, room surveys to ensure safe patient care environment.
• Supports in meal and other activities of daily living (shower/ toileting/ diversionary activities) Checks meal trays upon removal of room to ensure all objects are removed.
• Observes patients closely to ensure they do not obtain or retrieve objects they could use to harm themselves or others.
• If assigned to constant observation does not leave the patient or become distracted/ engaged with other patients until relieved or communication is received that the level of observation has changed.
• Supports restraint activities as delegated by the primary Registered Nurse.
• Assists with procedural holds as directed by MD, Provider and/or RN.
• Communicates effectively with the patient and family regarding role responsibilities.

Operations & Environment:

• Rounds continuously to observe for any early intervention needs of escalating patients/situations.
• Maintains a safe environment of care, free of hallway clutter and safety concerns.
• Participates in post restraint huddle.

Customer Service:

• Establishes effective relationships with patients, families, staff and external customers/ consultants to the team.

Quality:

• Is accountable for departmental and hospital quality and safety initiatives and goals.
• Demonstrates the necessary age-specific and cultural competencies in all treatment and contact with patients/families as outlined in the employee's Connecticut Children's Age-specific and Cultural Competencies document.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families.
• Values cultural diversity and other individual differences in the workforce.
• Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with Connecticut Children's standards.
• Performs other related responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Does not supervise any personnel.
• Acts as a member of the care team and receives delegated assignments.

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Required: High School Diploma, GED, or a higher level of education that would require the completion of high school.

License and/or Certification Required:

• BLS/CPR, American Heart Association, required within 2 weeks of hire and must remain current at all times.
• Crisis Intervention training certification required within 3 months of hire and maintained current at all times.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Basic Medical terminology, mathematics and measurements.
• Basic understanding of organizations environment of care and infection control policies and procedures.
• Basic understanding of reasons for and techniques for managing aggressive behavior.
• Understand and follow Connecticut Children's policies and procedures.

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication required.
• Demonstration of effective listening skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills required. Ability to communicate in English is required (bilingual competency, Spanish preferred).
• Demonstrates competency in standard clinical procedures as well as unit specific patient management protocols.

Ability to:

• Maintain quality, safety and infection control standards.
• Learn and follow established protocols to respond in emergency situations.
• Learn and demonstrate competency in basic data entry, documentation in the medical record.
• Work across all levels of the organization effectively.