Care Attendant - 6E Brain Injury Rehab

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time - Entry Level

Pittsburgh, PA

Hospitals

About the position

The Care Attendant position at UPMC Mercy is a full-time role within the 6E Brain Injury Rehab department, which specializes in the care of patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries and other neurological disorders. The role is crucial for ensuring patient safety and comfort, providing direct patient care, and supporting the healthcare team in delivering comprehensive care. This position serves as an excellent introduction to the healthcare field for those inexperienced, while also offering valuable experience for those with some prior healthcare exposure.

Responsibilities

• Provides observation and direct patient care as directed by the RN, including activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, and ambulating.
• Maintains an environment conducive to patient safety and recovery, including completing safety checks and keeping the patient room clean and organized.
• Acquires and distributes supplies and equipment to facilitate patient care delivery, including performing messenger functions and stocking patient rooms.
• Delivers patient nourishments, fills water pitchers, and distributes patient mail as applicable.
• Provides feedback to the RN regarding patient care and reports changes in patient status.
• Completes clerical functions as needed by the department.
• Constructively receives feedback and direction, identifying and communicating learning needs to the direct supervisor.
• Takes action to improve knowledge, skills, and performance.
• Requests assistance in planning and prioritizing activities as needed.
• Participates in self-review as requested by the direct supervisor.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the healthcare team.
• Demonstrates understanding of cultural diversity and workplace dynamics.
• Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace.
• Develops and maintains productive working relationships by demonstrating accountability, enthusiasm, and commitment.
• Assures equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department.
• Establishes appropriate and effective communication strategies.
• Contributes to universal patient activities, including responding to telephones and assisting with meal trays.
• Suggests and supports changes within the department.
• Assumes responsibility for assignments and views problems as challenges.
• Demonstrates awareness of behavior on the efficient functioning of the department.
• Complies with safety policies and procedures, including standard precautions.
• Responds to emergent situations within the scope of the Care Attendant role.
• Provides one-on-one companionship/supervision with patients.

Requirements

• Successful completion of UPMC care attendant training program if no previous patient care training is available.
• Knowledge of body mechanics and transfer techniques.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification required within 30 days of hire.