Patient Care Companion

Overview

Scheduled

Hours:

Full Time;
Day Shift 6:30 am to 7:00 pm, including rotating weekends and holidays.

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.

• 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 the patient is continuously monitored before leaving the room (e.g., during breaks, end of shift, or while accompanying the patient on transport).
• Follows established policies and procedures for precautions (suicide, seizure, falls, elopement, restraining) and provides restraint alternatives when appropriate (e.g., diversional activities).
• Follows established policies and procedures for emergency plans and codes.
• Accompanies the assigned patient at all times (e.g., walks in the hallway to various departments, bathroom, shower, etc.).
• Provides general patient care duties as directed by the registered nurse, including tasks specific to the patient(s) served.
  • Provides AM or PM care: making occupied or unoccupied bed, bed bath, oral and denture care, shave, back rub, and skin care.
  • Assists patient with ordered activities (e.g., ambulation, getting to a chair, repositioning).
  • Assists with toileting, including care of the incontinent patient and diaper usage; demonstrates awareness of patients at high risk of skin breakdown.
  • Ensures special patient supplies and devices are provided and maintained (e.g., TED hose, sequential compression devices, K-pads, cooling mattresses).
  • When on general floor duty, responds to call lights and communicates patient requests in a timely manner to the RN.
• Performs tasks related to meeting the nutritional needs of the patient, including tray setup, patient positioning, and assisting with menu selection; provides accurate information to the RN for intake/output; assists in tray distribution and conveys water/juices as directed.
• Reviews dietary orders and trays to ensure proper diet; communicates needs for reordering to the RN; assists patient with meals and 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 the health care team and notifies the RN when clinical information is requested or family questions arise.
• Contributes to the patient plan of care through documentation of patient needs and outcomes to the health care provider as appropriate, including:
  • Documenting patient information on Treatment Flowsheet (safety, cares, and activity).
  • Communicating patient needs and observed changes in assigned patients’ behavior to the RN caring for the patient.
  • Providing a verbal change-of-shift report to the RN caring for the patient and the incoming Patient Care Companion.
  • Acting as a patient/family advocate by providing comfort, assistance, and information; assisting in orientation to the environment.
  • Demonstrating awareness of the patient’s plan of care (activity, diet, diversional needs, family and social issues).
• Performs tasks related to maintaining the integrity of patient care standards and efficient unit operations, including emergency responsiveness, mandatory yearly in-services, and infection control practices (disposal of contaminated materials and proper attire when in direct contact with patients in isolation).

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.

If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015:
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts over 35 pounds, or when the 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.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.