Patient Safety Companion - Clinical Resource Unit

Department:

34102 Advocate Sherman Hospital - Nursing Float Pool

Status:

Full time

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Hours Per Week:

36

Schedule Details/Additional Information:

Night shift 1900 - 0730

Major Responsibilities:

• Ensures a secure and safe environment by maintaining a continued awareness of safety hazards and observation of the patient.
  •     1)Follows established policies and procedures for precautions, i.e., suicide, seizure, falls, elopement, restraining, provides restraint alternatives when appropriate; i.e., diversional activities.
  •     2)Follows established policies and procedures for emergency plans and codes.
  •     3)Accompanies assigned patient at all times, i.e., walks in the hallway to various ancillary departments, bathroom, shower, etc.
  •     4)Never leaves assigned patient unattended, ensures that patient is continuously monitored before leaving room, i..e, breaks, end of shift, to accompany patient on transport.
• Provides general patient care duties that are specific to the patient(s) served as directed by the registered nurse.
  •     3)Assists with toileting needs of the patient including care of the incontinent patient and proper diaper usage; demonstrates awareness of patients with high risk of skin breakdown. Trained patient care companions will not be responsible for incontinence care unless they are a certified CNA or a PCT.
  •     4)Ensures special patient supplies and appliances are provided and maintained such as compression hose, sequential compression devices.
  •     5)When assigned to general floor duty, responds to call lights and communicates all patient requests in a timely manner to the PCT or registered nurse.
  •     6)May also assist in stocking and maintaining nursing unit as directed by the charge nurse.
  •     1)Provides am or pm care to include making occupied or unoccupied bed, assisting with bed bath, oral and denture care, shave back rub, and skin care.
  •     2)Assists patient with ordered activity, i.e., ambulation, getting up to chair and back to bed, positioning, etc.
• Performs tasks related to meeting the nutritional needs of the patient.
  •     1)Reviews dietary order and tray to ensure the patient is receiving the proper diet, communicates need for reordering to the registered nurse.
  •     2)Assists patient with meals, feeding if needed.
  •     3)Provides proper tray set-up and patient positioning with consideration to special needs.
  •     4)Assists patient in menu selection after clarifying diet with registered nurse.
  •     5)Provides accurate information to registered nurse for intake/output.
  •     6)When assigned to general floor duty, assists in tray distribution and passing of waters/juices as directed by registered nurse; pick-up trays of patients who are not on intake/output or caloric monitoring.
• Patient care support functions.
  •     1)Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
  •     2)Communicates with patients, families, and other health professionals in a positive and respectful manner.
  •     3)Supports patient/family teaching by working with all members of the health care team and seeks out the registered nurse when clinical information is requested, notifies the RN when family questions arise.
• Contributes to the patient plan of care through the documentation of communication of patient needs and outcomes to the health care provider as appropriate.
  •     1)Documents patient information in the electronic record(safety, cares and activity).
  •     2)Communicates patient needs and observed changes in assigned patients’ behavior to RN caring for patient.
  •     3)Communicates a verbal change of shift report on assigned patients to RN caring for patient and oncoming Patient Care Companion.
  •     4)Acts as a patient/family advocate by providing comfort, assistance, and information as appropriate, assists in the orientation of the patient