Patient Safety Assistant - Emergency Department - PRN

PRN

Hours Varied

An 18-bed Level IV Trauma ED and designated Acute Stroke and STEMI center, managing high-acuity emergencies with rapid diagnostics and multidisciplinary collaboration. Gettysburg ED delivers high-quality and time‑critical interventions for diverse patient populations.

General Summary

This role serves to protect our patients who are impulsive and at risk for falls, at risk for pulling out IV lines/tubes, require behavioral management and/or present a risk due to psychiatric illnesses. This is a non-clinical employee who assists in the prevention of falls, deters impulsive behaviors, prevents injury or escape, and provides de-escalation of patient behaviors. Provides simple assistance such as ambulation, simple toileting, repositioning, and assistance with feeding/fluids. The aide is expected to engage in therapeutic communication and activities to distract, occupy and develop a positive supportive rapport with patients. The aide is required to remain with the assigned patient at all times during their shift except when relieved by staff for breaks, remaining alert and observant. Patient observation by the aide can be performed virtually through video monitoring or by direct bedside observation of the patient based on hospital policy and patient criteria. This role will also be required to transport patients as needed. This position requires Child Abuse Clearance, High Risk Observer Training and required Epic documentation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Maintains patient safety by preventing falls and injury due to impulsiveness.
• Maintains Behavioral Health patient safety. Provides one on one observation for patients who are high risk elopement patients, patients that require behavioral management, suicidal patients or any other patient requiring one on one observation.
• Accompanies patient during transport and escorts patients as required.
• Obtains verbal report from the patient’s nurse to include information regarding the patient’s identified care needs to work collaboratively with the care team.
• Applies principles of caring and healing in interactions with patients and families and with colleagues.
• Provides for patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction by maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Provides simple assistance such as ambulation, simple toileting, repositioning, and assistance with feeding/fluids.
• Supports caregivers to maintain flow of patient care efficiently.
• Maintains patient environment in a safe and orderly manner.
• Constant, direct visualization of patient is required throughout assignment. The sitter should be positioned to respond to quickly to the patient’s needs and safety.
• Must be present and mindful of the patient and environment at all times.
• Observant of the patient’s activity and behavior, defuses situations and communicates on a regular basis to the nurse. Reports any pertinent observations to the RN.
• Engages patient in therapeutic communications and activities to distract, occupy and develop a therapeutic rapport. Participates in the provision of diversional activities such as playing cards, board games, therapeutic communication, etc.
• Communicates in a professional manner and demonstrates respect for patient, families/significant other and members of the healthcare team.
• Offers support and feedback to peers and staff.
• Responds promptly and appropriately to crisis or emergency. Utilizes principles of Milieu and Behavior Management Training (MBMT) in managing high risk situations.
• Documents required information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• May be assigned to observe patients who are in isolation and will be required to don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) according to WellSpan policy.

Common Expectations:

• Demonstrates a commitment to patient, visitor and staff by: complying with all applicable safety regulations; learning the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to reduction of errors; reporting actual and potential errors, as well as hazardous conditions; identifying opportunities to standardize processes and "error proof" systems that will lead to increased safety; and participating in safety education programs and root cause analyses as required.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.
• May be assigned to care for patients in isolation. This will require the sitter to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Complies with all hospital policies and procedures, including infection control guidelines.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information.
• Maintains a professional appearance.
• This position requires floating to all units to provide care across hospital.

Physical Demands:

• Standing - Occasionally
• Walking - Occasionally
• Sitting - Frequently
• Reaching - Rarely
• Talking - Frequently
• Hearing - Frequently
• Repetitive Motions - Occasionally
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Occasionally

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or GED Required

Work Experience:

• No prior experience. Required

Licenses:

• Basic Life Support Upon Hire Required

Courses and Training:

• Behavioral Health Training Packet (LMS) Upon Hire Required and
• Sitter guidelines for safety 1:1 (LMS) Upon Hire Required and
• High Risk Observation (LMS) Upon Hire Required and
• Patient care assistant/sitter Epic training. Upon Hire Required and
• De-escalation class (8-hour class) Upon Hire Required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Good customer service skills.
• Excellent communication skills and de-escalation skills.