Job Description
About MedStar Health
MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation and research. Our 30,000 associates and 5,400 affiliated physicians work in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest visiting nurse association in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education and professional development of our whole team. MedStar Health offers diverse opportunities for career advancement and personal fulfillment.
Job Summary
The Patient Safety Aide provides close observation of selected patients for identified behaviors that are potentially hazardous to self or others.
Minimum Qualifications
Education/Training
High school graduation or equivalent required.
Experience
3 months of related experience preferred.
License/Certification/Registration
Completion of a Certified Nursing Assistant program (CNA) or experience as a MNRN Rehab Care Technician preferred. DC CNA Certification preferred. Nursing or Allied Health student with completion of coursework in field of study preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Work consists of several moderately complex, varied though standardized tasks. Job holder makes some decisions, using standard instructions, policies, protocols and/or procedures for guidance. Supervisor is consulted to handle non-standard activities. Ability to perform simple tasks with the patient, hear and orally communicate.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
Maintains close supervision always and does not leave patient until another staff member is in attendance.
Communicates with patients and encourages casual patient verbalization. Participates in minor diversion activities, such as reading to the patient.
Uses safety measures for patient and self in accordance with protocol. Assists unit staff in preventing patients from climbing out of bed by providing diversion activities. Notifies unit staff if verbal reminders and diversion are unsuccessful in distracting patient.
Immediately reports observations/changes in patient status to the appropriate nursing and/or medical personnel.
Monitors and responds to patient’s request for assistance. Assists patient directly or refers the need to a more appropriate staff member. Assists unit staff during their provision of patient care activities, such as retrieving supplies, and talking with patient.
Maintains the cleanliness and safety of patient rooms.
Completes placement of restraint.
Transports and/or escorts patients during discharges, transfers, and/or medical appointments.
Ensures full and complete hand off to oncoming shift and ensures that he/she obtains full hand off from outgoing shift.
Attends staff meetings and in-services, as required.
Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality.
Performs direct observation of patients for identification of behaviors that are potentially hazardous to self or others and reports such observations to appropriate personnel in appropriate time frame. Remains attentive to the patient at all times, unless relieved of duty by the patient care staff.
Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts.
Participates in multi-disciplinary quality and service improvement teams.
Performs other duties as assigned.
MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation and research. Our 30,000 associates and 5,400 affiliated physicians work in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest visiting nurse association in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education and professional development of our whole team. MedStar Health offers diverse opportunities for career advancement and personal fulfillment.