Care Companion; Sitter

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 the room (e.g., breaks, end of shift) to accompany patient on transport.
• Follows established policies and procedures for precautions, e.g., suicide, seizure, falls, elopement, restraining; provides restraint alternatives when appropriate, e.g., diversional activities.
• Follows established policies and procedures for emergency plans and codes.
• Accompanies assigned patient at all times, e.g., walks in the hallway to various ancillary departments, bathroom, shower, etc.

• Provides AM or PM care including making occupied or unoccupied bed, bed bath, oral and denture care, shave, back rub, and skin care.
• Assists patient with ordered activity (e.g., ambulation, getting up to chair and back to bed, positioning).
• 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 (e.g., TED hose, sequential compression devices, K-pads, cooling mattresses).
• When assigned to general floor duty, responds to call lights and communicates patient requests in a timely manner to the registered nurse.

• Provides proper tray setup and patient positioning with consideration to special needs.
• Assists patient with menu selection.
• Provides accurate information to the registered nurse for intake/output.
• When assigned to general floor duty, assists in tray distribution and passing of waters/juices as directed by the registered nurse; picks 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 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 all members of the health care team and seeks the registered nurse when clinical information is requested; notifies the RN when family questions arise.

• Documents patient information on Treatment Flowsheet (safety, cares and activity).
• Communicates patient needs and observed changes in assigned patients’ behavior to the RN caring for the patient.
• Communicates a verbal change of shift report on assigned patients to the RN caring for the patient and oncoming Patient Care Companion.
• Acts as a patient/family advocate by providing comfort, assistance, and information as appropriate; assists in orientation of patient and family to the environment.
• Demonstrates awareness of the patient’s plan of care (e.g., activity, diet, diversional needs, family and social issues).

• Demonstrates ability to respond to emergency situations.
• Maintains and develops technical skills by attending mandatory yearly in services
• Practices within infection control policies and procedures, including proper disposal of contaminated materials and appropriate attire when in direct contact with a patient in isolation.

High school diploma or GED equivalent. Current CPR.

Good communication skills. Courteous and professional interpersonal skills. Highly compassionate. Basic reading skills.

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…