Patient Safety Companion, Emergency Department, Prn

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) offers the residents of northeastern Maryland an unparalleled combination of clinical expertise, leading-edge technology, and an exceptional patient experience.
A community-based, integrated, non-profit health system, our vision is to become the preferred, integrated health system creating the healthiest community in Maryland. We are dedicated to maintaining and improving the health of the people in our community through an integrated health delivery system that provides high quality care to all. Our commitment to service excellence is evident through a broad range of health care services, technologies and facilities. We work collaboratively with our community and other health organizations to serve as a resource for health promotion and education.
Today, UM UCH is the leading health care system and second largest private employer in Harford County. Our 3,500 team members and over 650 medical staff physicians serve residents of Harford County, eastern Baltimore County, and western Cecil County.
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health owns and operates:
University of Maryland Harford Memorial Hospital (UM HMH), Havre de Grace, MD
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center (UM UCMC), Bel Air, MD
The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, Bel Air, MD
The Patricia D. and M. Scot Kaufman Cancer Center, Bel Air, MD
The Senator Bob Hooper House, Forest Hill, MD

Job Summary

• Provides constant observation and companionship to assigned at-risk patients (confused, disoriented, combative, suicidal) to ensure patient's safety while in the hospital setting. Monitors for and intervenes and prevents patients from self-harm.
• Ensures patients comply with prescribed activity limits. Protects patients from falls, dislodging IV lines, O2 apparatus, catheters, and/or drains and dressings.
• Alerts nursing care staff for assistance with toileting, feeding, or other physical care needs of the patient.
• Requests immediate assistance for noted changes in patient condition and/or disruptive behaviors. Works under the direction/supervision of the nursing care team assigned to the patient

Working Environment

• May be exposed to dust/particulate matter.
• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids, or infectious organisms.
• May be exposed to potential electrical shock.
• May be exposed to radiation/electromagnetic energy.
• May be exposed to toxic, caustic, chemicals, and / or detergents.

Organizational Expectations

• Adheres to and exhibits our core values: Reverence: Having a profound spirit of awe and respect for all creation, shaping relationships to self, to one another and to God and acknowledging that we hold in trust all that has been given to us. Integrity: Moral wholeness, soundness, uprightness, honesty and sincerity as a basis of trustworthiness. Compassion: Feeling with others, being one with others in their sorrows and joys, rooted in the sense of solidarity as members of the human community. Excellence: Outstanding achievement, merit, virtue; continually surpassing standards to achieve/maintain quality.
• Attends staff meetings and completes mandatory in-services, requirements and competency evaluations on time.
• Compliance: Understands regulatory requirements with regard to compliance and all other laws and regulations that apply to the organizational operations (e.g. Code of Conduct) and how these regulations apply to the individual’s role/ department/ unit. Proactive in addressing compliance issues; reporting through appropriate channels such as supervisor, chain of command and Ethics Point. Completes mandatory introductory and ongoing training within the specified timeframes.
• Maintains current knowledge in present areas of responsibility (i.e., self-education, attends ongoing educational programs).
• Works collaboratively and supports efforts of team members. Demonstrates exceptional customer service and interacts effectively with physicians, patients, residents, visitors, staff and the broader health care community.

Job Roles

PATIENT SAFETY COMPANION

• Assist with basic non-clinical patient needs and comfort measures. -
• Assure that the environment of care is a safe environment. -
• Intervene when patient is attempting to climb out of bed/chair until assistance arrives. -
• Intervene when patient is attempting to pull at IV lines, Oxygen apparatus, catheters, drains, and dressings. -
• Notify Nursing care staff for any clinical patient care needs - toileting, feeding, pain or emergencies.
• Observe for changes in patient condition, breathing, responsiveness, behavior and/or conversation, and self-injurious behavior, notifying Nursing care staff immediately.
• Provide social interaction/distraction to patient when applicable.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED (Required)

Certification / Licensure / Registration

• Not Applicable – No Certification and Licensure Requirements required or preferred

Experience and Skills

• Required Skills: Strong Verbal Communications Skills, Excellent Organizational Skills

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