Patient Safety Assistant - Virtual

Wellspan Health - Chambersburg, PA

Part-time,Full-time

Onsite - Chambersburg, PA

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Patient Safety Assistant (PSA) at WellSpan Health provides essential virtual support to a diverse patient population using remote monitoring technology and electronic health records. This role is critical in maintaining patient safety, particularly for those at high risk of elopement or requiring behavioral management. The PSA is responsible for ensuring a safe and therapeutic environment for patients, which includes preventing falls and injuries due to impulsiveness, and providing one-on-one observation for patients who are at risk of self-harm or require close monitoring. The position requires the PSA to accompany patients during transport, obtain verbal reports from nursing staff regarding patient care needs, and engage in therapeutic communication and activities to foster a supportive environment. In addition to direct patient observation, the PSA must maintain a clean and orderly patient environment, respond promptly to any crises or emergencies, and document all necessary information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR). The role also involves floating to various units within the hospital to provide care as needed, which requires compliance with all hospital policies, including infection control guidelines and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients in isolation. The PSA is expected to demonstrate a commitment to patient safety and service excellence, fostering teamwork and innovation in patient care delivery.

Responsibilities

• Maintains patient safety by preventing falls and injury due to impulsiveness.
• Provides one-on-one observation for high-risk patients, including those requiring behavioral management or suicidal patients.
• Accompanies patients during transport and escorts them as required.
• Obtains verbal reports from the patient's nurse regarding care needs to collaborate with the care team.
• Applies principles of caring and healing in interactions with patients, families, and colleagues.
• Ensures patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction by maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Provides assistance with ambulation, toileting, repositioning, and feeding/fluids.
• Supports caregivers to maintain efficient patient care flow.
• Maintains a safe and orderly patient environment.
• Constantly visualizes patients throughout the assignment and responds quickly to their needs.
• Observes patient activity and behavior, defuses situations, and communicates regularly with nursing staff.
• Engages patients in therapeutic communications and activities to develop rapport and distract them from distress.
• Communicates professionally and respectfully with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Offers support and feedback to peers and staff.
• Responds promptly to crises or emergencies using Milieu and Behavior Management Training principles.
• Documents required information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• May be assigned to observe patients in isolation and must don appropriate PPE.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• No prior experience required.
• Basic Life Support certification upon hire required.
• Completion of Behavioral Health Training Packet upon hire required.
• Completion of sitter guidelines for safety 1:1 training upon hire required.
• Completion of High Risk Observation training upon hire required.
• Completion of Patient care assistant/sitter Epic training upon hire required.
• Completion of an 8-hour de-escalation class upon hire required.
• Good customer service skills.
• Excellent communication and de-escalation skills.