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) position at WellSpan Health is a vital role that provides virtual support to a diverse population of patients using remote monitoring technology and electronic health records. This position is not remote; it requires on-site presence at various hospitals including Ephrata Community Hospital, Gettysburg Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, Surgery & Rehab Hospital, Waynesboro Hospital, or York Hospital. The PSA is responsible for maintaining patient safety by preventing falls and injuries, particularly for patients who are at high risk of elopement or require behavioral management. This includes providing one-on-one observation for patients who may be suicidal or otherwise in need of close monitoring. The PSA will accompany patients during transport, ensuring their safety and comfort. They will obtain verbal reports from nurses regarding patient care needs and work collaboratively with the care team to provide a safe and therapeutic environment. Essential functions include engaging patients in therapeutic communication and activities, maintaining a safe and orderly patient environment, and responding promptly to any crises or emergencies. The PSA must be observant of patient behavior, defuse potentially harmful situations, and communicate regularly with nursing staff to report any pertinent observations. In addition to direct patient care, the PSA is expected to comply with all safety regulations, participate in safety education programs, and maintain confidentiality of patient information. The role requires floating to various units within the hospital, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in providing care across different settings. The PSA must also adhere to infection control guidelines and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.

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 who are suicidal.
• Accompanies patients during transport and escorts them as required.
• Obtains verbal reports from nurses regarding patient care needs to collaborate with the care team.
• Applies principles of caring and healing in interactions with patients, families, and colleagues.
• Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment for patient comfort and satisfaction.
• Provides assistance with ambulation, toileting, repositioning, and feeding/fluids.
• Supports caregivers to maintain efficient patient care flow.
• Maintains a safe and orderly patient environment.
• Engages in constant, direct visualization of patients throughout the assignment.
• Observes patient activity and behavior, defuses situations, and communicates regularly with nursing staff.
• Engages patients in therapeutic communications and activities to develop rapport.
• Documents required information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• May be assigned to observe patients in isolation and must don appropriate PPE as per policy.

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.