Behavioral Safety Assistant II

Behavioral Safety Assistant II

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Summary:

The Behavioral Safety Assistant (BSA) II is a key member of the interdisciplinary team responsible for the continuous observation of assigned patients. This role involves either direct bedside observation or remote video/virtual surveillance. The BSA II is assigned primarily to patients who are at risk of harming themselves or others, or those with impaired judgment, or those who need continuous observation and engagement due to other identified safety concerns. The role reports through the behavioral health department and works closely with the nursing department throughout the hospital, including the Emergency Department, inpatient nursing units and other areas.

Responsibilities:

• Observations and 1:1 Assignments: Provide 1:1 observation of assigned patients based on behavioral health or safety needs. Maintain direct line-of-sight at all times, ensuring the patient is never left unattended unless directed by the assigned Registered Nurse. The BSA should be positioned to respond to quickly to the patient's needs and safety.
• Continual Rounding: Monitor a cohort of patients with behavioral health needs by conducting regular rounds. Ensure timely documentation of observations for each patient within the required intervals, maintaining consistent movement between assigned patients.
• Continuous Video Monitoring: Proficiently use video/audio monitoring software for remote patient surveillance of multiple patients.
• Assistance with Mobility and ADLs: Assist patients with ambulation, activities of daily living (ADLs), hygiene needs, and basic toileting.
• Meal Assistance: Assist with setting up meal trays and feeding patients, excluding those with swallowing precautions.
• Patient Transfers: Perform safe patient transfers using proper ergonomics and patient-handling equipment, including transfers from bed to chair, wheelchair, or stretcher.
• Notification of Changes: Observe patient behavior and health status, promptly reporting any notable changes to the assigned Registered Nurse. Notify the nurse of any patient complaints/concerns, skin concerns or equipment issues, such as detached leads or IVs.
• Safety Measures: Implement and uphold safety protocols for patients at risk of falls or ligature incidents. Continuously observe and safeguard patients from hazards such as self-harm, aggression, or wandering. Assist in preventing harm to both patients and staff through the therapeutic use of soft or mechanical restraints, as directed by the Registered Nurse. Ensure patient and personal safety by using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with patients requiring specific precautions.
• Patient Communication: Interact with patients to reduce aggression, agitation, or confusion, using personalized interventions suited to their specific needs, as instructed by the Registered Nurse or behavioral health providers.
• Documentation: Record patient behaviors and interventions in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) or via approved paper forms.
• Emergency Response: Actively contribute to identifying and reporting patient safety concerns in collaboration with the care team. In the event of a patient or environmental emergency, immediately activate the appropriate alarm/code/procedure and request assistance accordingly.
• Communication: Participate in the hand-off of pertinent information about assigned patients during shift changes and breaks to other ancillary staff and/or the Registered Nurse assigned to the patient.
• Education and Support: Educate patients and visitors about the observation program and your role.

Credentials:

• Basic Cardiac Life Support (Required)
• CPR Certification, Training provided if certification not held at time of hire.

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• H.S. Diploma/GED (Required)
• 1+ years previous training and/or experience in a patient care environment preferred such as medical, behavioral health or clinical assistant or health technician, or patient safety assistant. Able to communicate effectively with patients who may have altered mentation or situational awareness. Working knowledge of computer use.

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives. Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.