Patient Safety Companion will be assigned to observe patients, assure that safety needs are met and assist with providing of basic patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Assignments will be on various units of Tuscaloosa and the Northport DCH facilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assists in providing personal and safe care services in accordance with the plan of treatment assigned by the    

registered nurse in include but not limited to:

Direct observation of patient at all times

Keeping patients who are at risk for harming themselves or others safe

Assists with measuring and recording intake and output

Assists with positioning patients, lifting and turning patients

Assisting in use of bedpan, urinal or commode

Care of incontinent patient

Skin care to the immobilized patient

Ambulating the patient

Feeding patients

Carries out all safety precautions noted on daily assignment sheet

2.    Accurately documents care provided according to policies and procedures.

3.    Performs initial and annual competency per job class. Specific ages: adolescent, adult, and geriatric.

4.    Applies safety principles and proper body mechanics to the performance of specific techniques of personal and        

       supportive care, such as ambulation of patients, transferring patients, assisting with normal range of motion

       and positioning.

5.   Participates in economical utilization of supplies and ensures that equipment and patient rooms are         

      maintained in a clean, safe manner.

6.   Assists nursing staff in maintaining a safe environment for suicidal patient by limiting personal items in patient  

      Room

DCH Standards:

Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.

Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook

Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.

• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.

Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.

Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.

All other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

High School diploma or equivalent preferred. Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English. American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider required within 30 days of employment in Patient Safety Companion role. Previous patient care experience preferred. Must have basic computer skills to support the use of electronic medical record, e- mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet. Reliable transportation to support assignment between two facilities.