Patient Safety Assistant - Virtual

Wellspan Health - Ephrata, PA

Part-time,Full-time

Onsite - Ephrata, PA

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Patient Safety Assistant (PSA) role at WellSpan Health involves providing virtual support to patients using remote monitoring technology. This position is crucial for maintaining patient safety, particularly for those at high risk of elopement or requiring behavioral management. The PSA will work collaboratively with the care team to ensure a safe and therapeutic environment for patients across various hospital units.

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 nurses regarding patient care needs to collaborate effectively 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 simple assistance such as ambulation, toileting, repositioning, and assistance with feeding/fluids.
• Supports caregivers to maintain efficient patient care flow.
• Maintains a safe and orderly patient environment.
• Constantly visualizes patients throughout the assignment to respond quickly to their needs and safety.
• Observes patient activity and behavior, defuses situations, and communicates regularly with the nurse, reporting pertinent observations.
• Engages patients in therapeutic communications and activities to distract and develop rapport.
• Communicates professionally and demonstrates respect for patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Offers support and feedback to peers and staff.
• Responds promptly to crises or emergencies, utilizing Milieu and Behavior Management Training principles.
• Documents required information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• May observe patients in isolation and must don appropriate PPE as per policy.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Basic Life Support certification upon hire required.
• No prior experience required.
• Completion of Behavioral Health Training Packet upon hire required.
• Completion of Sitter Guidelines for Safety 1:1 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.

Nice-to-haves

• Good customer service skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• De-escalation skills.

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling options for full-time and part-time opportunities.
• Onsite support at multiple hospital locations.