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, and requires collaboration with the healthcare team to ensure a therapeutic environment. The PSA will engage with patients, assist with their needs, and document observations in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).

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.
• Engages patients in therapeutic communications and activities to develop rapport and distract them.
• 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 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 is required.
• Completion of Behavioral Health Training Packet upon hire is required.
• Completion of Sitter guidelines for safety 1:1 training upon hire is required.
• Completion of High Risk Observation training upon hire is required.
• Completion of Patient care assistant/sitter Epic training upon hire is required.
• Completion of an 8-hour De-escalation class upon hire is required.
• Good customer service skills are essential.
• Excellent communication and de-escalation skills are necessary.