Patient Safety Attendant

Job Summary:
Patient Safety Attendants help to or assist the registered nurse to maintain an environment that is safe for the patient.
A safe environment means preventing the patient from harming his/her self or others and/or preventing the patient from interfering with necessary medical care or treatment.
Essential Generic Job Functions (List in order of importance):
Stays no more then arms length away from the patient at all times.
Contacts the nurse if you need to leave the patients bedside for any reason never leave the patient alone or with a friend or family member unless directed to do so by the registered nurse.
Completes the Close Observation Record or Intensive Observation Record.
Keeps bed rails in the position directed by the registered nurse.
Keeps bed in the lowest possible position.
Keeps call bell within reach to call for assistance if needed.
Removes all sharp objects from patients reach if directed by the nurse (razors knives glass pens pencils scissors etc.).
Prevents patients from pulling out tubes IVs drains dressings etc. by explaining that it is something needed to make them better.
If the patient is in restraints make sure they stay in place and never apply or remove restraints without the registered nurse at the bedside with you.
Informs the nurse immediately if a patient has loosened a restraint or disrupted as tube or dressing.
Reports any unusual behavior to the nurse i.e. confusion or disorientation (the patient does not know who they are or where they are) extreme sleepiness hallucinations (the patient thinks they hear voices or see bugs/people who are not there).
Reports any unusual comments to the nurse such as I want to die. I feel like killing myself They wont stop me next time.
Assists with hygiene toileting etc. under the direct supervision of the registered nurse.
Reports anything unusual to the registered nurse immediately including visitors or family acting in an inappropriate manner or in a manner that is upsetting to the patient.
Lifts a minimum of 10 lbs. pushes and pulls minimum of 10 lbs. and stands a minimum of 6 hours a day and sits for long periods of time.
Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs (i.e. age culture language hearing and/or visually impaired etc.). This process includes communicating with the patient parent and/or primary caregiver(s) at their level (developmental/age educational literacy etc.).
Adheres to the standards identified in the Medical Centers Organizational Competencies.

Preferred Skills & Experience:
Knowledge of medical terminology.

Required Education:
High school diploma or equivalent.