Patient Safety Assistant - Virtual

Wellspan Health - York, PA

Part-time,Full-time

Onsite - York, PA

10,001+ employees

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 onsite support 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 and provide essential support by obtaining verbal reports from nurses regarding the patients' care needs. The role emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and therapeutic environment for patients, ensuring their comfort and satisfaction. Responsibilities include assisting with ambulation, toileting, repositioning, and feeding, as well as maintaining a safe and orderly patient environment. Constant direct visualization of the patient is required, and the PSA must be attentive to the patient's needs and behaviors, communicating regularly with nursing staff to report any significant observations. In addition to direct patient care, the PSA engages patients in therapeutic communication and activities to foster a positive rapport and distract them from distressing thoughts or behaviors. The role also involves responding promptly to crises or emergencies, utilizing principles of Milieu and Behavior Management Training (MBMT) when necessary. Documentation of required information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) is also a critical component of the position. The PSA may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients in isolation and must comply with all hospital policies and procedures, including infection control guidelines.

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 patients' 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 the patient throughout the assignment, responding quickly to their needs.
• Observes patient activity and behavior, defusing situations and communicating regularly with nursing staff.
• Engages patients in therapeutic communications and activities to develop rapport and distract them.
• Documents required information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• May be assigned to observe patients in isolation, requiring appropriate PPE usage.

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.
• 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.