Patient Care Companion - Emergency Department

Patient Care Companion

Major Responsibilities: Ensures a secure and safe environment by maintaining a continued awareness of safety hazards and observation of the patient. Never leaves assigned patient unattended, ensures that patient is continuously monitored before leaving room, i.e., breaks, end of shift, to accompany patient on transport. Follows established policies and procedures for precautions, i.e., suicide, seizure, falls, elopement, restraining, provides restraint alternatives when appropriate; i.e., diversional activities. Follows established policies and procedures for emergency plans and codes. Accompanies assigned patient at all times, i.e., walks in the hallway to various ancillary departments, bathroom, shower, etc. Provides general patient care duties that are specific to the patient(s) served as directed by the registered nurse. Provides am or pm care to include making occupied or unoccupied bed, bed bath, oral and denture care, shave back rub, and skin care. Assists patient with ordered activity, i.e., ambulation, getting up to chair and back to bed, positioning, etc. Assists with toileting needs of the patient including care of the incontinent patient and proper diaper usage; demonstrates awareness of patients with high risk of skin breakdown. Ensures special patient supplies and appliances are provided and maintained such as TED hose, sequential compression devices, K-pads, cooling mattresses, etc. Responds to call lights and communicates all patient requests in a timely manner to the registered nurse. Performs tasks related to meeting the nutritional needs of the patient. Provides proper tray set-up and patient positioning with consideration to special needs. Assists patient in menu selection. Provides accurate information to registered nurse for intake/output. Assists in tray distribution and passing of waters/juices as directed by registered nurse; pick-up trays of patients who are not on intake/output or caloric monitoring. Reviews dietary order and tray to ensure the patient is receiving the proper diet, communicates need for reordering to the registered nurse. Assists patient with meals, feeding if needed. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times. Communicates with patients, families, and other health professionals in a positive and respectful manner. Supports patient/family teaching by working with all members of the health care team and seeks out the registered nurse when clinical information is requested, notifies the RN when family questions arise. Contributes to the patient plan of care through the documentation of communication of patient needs and outcomes to the health care provider as appropriate. Documents patient information on Treatment Flowsheet (safety, cares and activity). Communicates patient needs and observed changes in assigned patients' behavior to RN caring for patient. Communicates a verbal change of shift report on assigned patients to RN caring for patient and oncoming Patient Care Companion. Acts as a patient/family advocate by providing comfort, assistance, and information as appropriate, assists in the orientation of the patient and family to the environment. Demonstrates awareness of the patient's plan of care, i.e., activity, diet, diversional needs, family and social issues. Demonstrates ability to respond to emergency situations. Maintains and develops technical skills by attending mandatory yearly inservices. Practices within the policies and procedures of infection control by properly disposing of contaminated materials and utilizing proper attire when in direct contact with the patient in isolation.

Education/Experience Required: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Current CPR.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: Good communication skills. Courteous and professional interpersonal skills. Highly compassionate. Basic reading skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Ability to demonstrate a commitment to patient-focused care. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints and in difficult situations. May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases. Ability to perform lifting/transfer activities related to patients (up to 50 lbs. may be required). Ability to work designated shifts including weekends and holidays. Ability to transport objects from one location to another. This position needs to recognize needs and behaviors of specific age groups of patients treated. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.