Companion (11p-7a)- PRN

Patient Companion

Under the direction of the Nurse, the Patient Companion functions as a support to the licensed nursing staff and Patient Care Associate in performing activities related to the safety needs of an assigned patient. The Patient Companion must be able to provide and understand the specific communication needs of patients, families, and visitors. The Patient Companion will document and communicate with team members in a timely manner the patient's progress, needs and problems. Collaborates with Leadership in developing and implementing the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System's Mission and Goals. Employees are encouraged to support Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System's involvement in the community we serve.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• 17-year-olds that will obtain a High School Diploma or GED within 6 months of Hire
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Experience

· N/A

License/Registration/Certifications

· BLS

Preferred Requirements

Preferred Education

• N/A

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a healthcare setting

Preferred License/Registration/Certifications

· N/A

Core Job Responsibilities

• Meets continuing education requirements, demonstrates knowledge of and ensures compliance with all clinical expectations of regulatory agency requirements (DNV, DHEC, CMS).
• Monitor for patient safety and alert nursing associate when patients need help or intervention
• Spends therapeutic time with patient without interruption that diverts attention away from patient care.
• Does not leave patient unattended and maintains ability to keep patient in eyesight during assigned shift
• May travel with patient off unit for diagnostic testing and/or procedures
• Notify the nurse immediately of any patient attempt to leave facility.
• Provides appropriate verbal skills and comprehension of verbal and written instructions
• Ability to provide re-direction and de-escalation
• Basic Computer Skills including utilization of mobile devices for documentation of patient care
• Assists patient with activities of daily living in a safe, timely and courteous manner.
• Assists with ambulation and toileting.
• Performs personal hygiene care with respect to privacy, dignity and needs of the patient
• Assist patients with meals/snacks and water in a timely manner
• Documents oral intakes, voided outputs, and bowel movement occurrences with accuracy and within established time frame and/or as requested.
• Communicates changes in patient status, actual and potential needs of patient/families/visitors to the nurse.
• Knowledgeable in use of and response to Facility Alerts/medical alerts/medical emergency systems
• Identifies areas for improvement and seeks ways to work on self-defined weaknesses
• Remains committed to unit, department, and division goals
• Attends continuing education classes for improvement offered at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.
• Reports risk management concerns to appropriate person
• Adheres to proper chain of command.
• Other Duties as Assigned

1. Bathing

• a. shower
• b. bed

2. Personal Hygiene

• a. Incontinent Care
• b. Oral Care
• c. Bed Making
• d. Care of Dentures
• e. Hair Care

3. Personal Care

• a. Call lights within reach
• b. Side rails up/bed low position
• c. Anticipates needs
• d. Prepares patients for meals
• e. Assist patient with meals and snacks etc.
• f. Assists with feedings

4. Special Procedures

1. Performs and records peri and indwelling urinary catheter care as directed
2. Measures and records PO intake, voided output, and bowel movement occurrences

5. Exclusions

• a. Will not perform vital signs
• b. Will not perform glucose monitoring or operate glucometer
• c. Will not empty or record drain outputs
• d. Will not place or remove telemetry leads and monitor
• e. Will not provide oral suctioning
• f. Will not apply or remove dressing for wounds or breakdown prevention
• g. Will not perform shaving
• h. Will not place or remove male or female external urinary devices.