Patient Companion

JOB SUMMARY

This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.

Patient companions or sitters are health care workers assigned by nursing staff to observe patients who are at risk for adverse events (falls, self injury, harm to others). The patient companion will follow the plan of care for the patient as outlined by the RN and will keep the assigned patient under continuous observation at all times, including during transport and while using the bathroom. Any changes in the patient condition will be reported to the co-assigned RN immediately.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

• Receives handoff from RN who is assigned to the patient, Communicates with RN during shift about patient status.
• Performs hand hygiene before and after patient contact. Carries out isolation procedures and utilizes universal precautions.
• Maintains safe environment for patient by performing constant observation. Accompanies patient when leaving unit. Utilizes safety devices (bed rails, wheel locks). Notifies RN if tubes/catheters become disconnected or if patient condition changes from baseline.
• While performing constant observation, provides diversionary activities such as reading, play, TV. Orients patient to person, time and place, as needed.
• Anticipates needs for patient including placing useful items around patient and providing companionship as well as observation.
• With patients on suicidal precautions, observes for patients surroundings/belongings or if patient is trying to obtain items that could cause themselves injury or harm.
• Utilizes C I Care fundamentals at all times and with every interaction.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

Education : High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Experience : None required.

Licensure/Certification : None required.

KNOWLEDGE

These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.

• Ability to accurately, completely, and independently perform the reading, writing, and arithmetic required by the job.
• Ability to be patient and courteous and use active listening skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients, and families, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to demonstrate customer service skills in interactions with all patients, families and staff, including high volume and stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to provide appropriate care based on the needs of the specific individuals, including age.
• Ability to solve problems effectively using appropriate resources; is productive in workflow, skills, and organization.
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English effectively at a level appropriate for the job.
• Accompany patients being transported off unit as needed. Knowledge of hygiene, isolation procedures, and universal precautions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions in which the job is typically performed are available from the Occupational Health Department. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Pay Range

Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.

Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range.

Minimum to Midpoint Range (Hourly): $29.24 to $32.78

Stanford Medicine Children's Health (SMCH) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SMCH does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements, and where applicable, in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.