Patient Safety Companion - Grinnell Emergency Department - PRN

Overview

The patient safety companion provides patient monitoring services through direct patient observation in order to provide a safe environment for patients.

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.

• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.

• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

• Provides direct observation (sitter in patient’s room) to assigned patient to prevent patient self- injury. Maintains visual observation at all times.
• Participates in collaborative identification of and reporting of patient safety issues
• Removes any potential safety hazard from patient room and reports findings to nursing staff
• Promotes diversionary activities as necessary and appropriate
• Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality
• Demonstrates understanding and proficient use of patient monitoring software while functioning as remote monitoring technician
• Documents proof of observation of suicide precautions and other safety protocols
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide the appropriate care to a patient population based on the patients individualized treatment plan as delegated by the RN.
• Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others.
• Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patients when arriving on unit/work area and upon completion of shift assignment.
• Coordinates meal and break times with team and informs appropriate team members prior to leaving monitoring station for any reason to ensure constant patient observation.
• Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues.
• Demonstrates safe work practices and attitudes, follows safety rules, works to prevent unsafe conditions and behaviors, and participates in organizational and department safety programs.
• Demonstrates initiative to improve quality and customer service.
• Demonstrates the UnityPoint Health FOCUS Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines.
• Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance.
• Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position.
• Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, TJC, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
• Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year.
• Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse.
• Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff.
• Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.

• Eighteen years of age or older.
• High School graduate or GED.
• Familiarity with healthcare environment preferred.
• Basic computer skills required
• Valid driver’s license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.
• Must possess and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or obtain certification within three (3) months from date of hire.
• Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
• Multicultural sensitivity.
• Microsoft Office – basic computer skills.
• Customer/patient focused.
• Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.
• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.