Patient Safety Assistant - Virtual Life Center - Day

Virtual Patient Safety Assistant on site location ( not remote)

Full time day or night availabiltiy preferred

Part time and PRN availability considered

Onsite support @ Ephrata Community Hospital, Gettysburg Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, Surgery & Rehab Hospital, Waynesboro Hospital, or York Hospital

General Summary

PSA provides virtual support to a diverse population of patients by using remote monitoring technology software and related electronic health record. This position requires Child Abuse Clearance, High Risk Observer Training and required Epic documentation.

General Summary

This role serves to protect our patients who are impulsive and at risk for falls, at risk for pulling out IV lines / tubes, require behavioral management and / or present a risk due to psychiatric illnesses. This is a non-clinical employee who assists in the prevention of falls, deters impulsive behaviors, prevents injury or escape, and provides de-escalation of patient behaviors. Provides simple assistance such as ambulation, simple toileting, repositioning, and assistance with feeding / fluids. The aide is expected to engage in therapeutic communication and activities to distract, occupy and develop a positive supportive rapport with patients. The aide is required to remain with the assigned patient at all times during their shift except when relieved by staff for breaks, remaining alert and observant. Patient observation by the aide can be performed virtually through video monitoring or by direct bedside observation of the patient based on hospital policy and patient criteria. This role will also be required to transport patients as needed. This position requires Child Abuse Clearance, High Risk Observer Training and required Epic documentation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions :

Maintains patient safety by preventing falls and injury due to impulsiveness.

Maintains Behavioral Health patient safety. Provides one on one observation for patients who are high risk elopement patients, patients that require behavioral management, suicidal patients or any other patient requiring one on one observation.

Accompanies patient during transport and escorts patients as required.

Obtains verbal report from the patient's nurse to include information regarding the patient's identified care needs to work collaboratively with the care team.

Applies principles of caring and healing in interactions with patients and families and with colleagues.

Provides for patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction by maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.

Provides simple assistance such as ambulation, simple toileting, repositioning, and assistance with feeding / fluids.

Supports caregivers to maintain flow of patient care efficiently.

Maintains patient environment in a safe and orderly manner.

Constant, direct visualization of patient is required throughout assignment. The sitter should be positioned to respond to quickly to the patient's needs and safety.

Must be present and mindful of the patient and environment at all times.

Observant of the patient's activity and behavior, defuses situations and communicates on a regular basis to the nurse. Reports any pertinent observations to the RN.

Engages patient in therapeutic communications and activities to distract, occupy and develop a therapeutic rapport. Participates in the provision of diversional activities such as playing cards, board games, therapeutic communication, etc.

Communicates in a professional manner and demonstrates respect for patient, families / significant other and members of the healthcare team.

Offers support and feedback to peers and staff.

Responds promptly and appropriately to crisis or emergency. Utilizes principles of Milieu and Behavior Management Training (MBMT) in managing high risk situations.

Documents required information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).

May be assigned to observe patients who are in isolation and will be required to don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) according to WellSpan policy.

Common Expectations :

Demonstrates a commitment to patient, visitor and staff by : complying with all applicable safety regulations; learning the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to reduction of errors; reporting actual and potential errors, as well as hazardous conditions; identifying opportunities to standardize processes and "error proof" systems that will lead to increased safety; and participating in safety education programs and root cause analyses as required.

Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.

May be assigned to care for patients in isolation. This will require the sitter to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Complies with all hospital policies and procedures, including infection control guidelines.

Maintains confidentiality of patient information.

Maintains a professional appearance.

This position requires floating to all units to provide care across hospital.

Required for All Jobs :

Performs other related duties as identified.

WellSpan Health has adopted and implemented a compliance program to support WellSpan's values and standards for professionalism, integrity, and ethics. Expected to support and meet the values and standards of the organization and the performance expectations of the job, the department, and the compliance program.

WellSpan Health has adopted and implemented a privacy program to safeguard the patient information and the business and operational information of the organization. Expected to support and meet the values and standards of the organization to safeguard patient and business / operational information.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Physical Demands :

Standing - Occasionally

Walking - Occasionally

Sitting - Frequently

Reaching - Rarely

Talking - Frequently

Hearing - Frequently

Repetitive Motions - Occasionally

Eye / Hand / Foot Coordination - Occasionally

Qualifications

Minimum Education :

• High School Diploma or GED Required

Work Experience :

Licenses :

Courses and Training :

Behavioral Health Training Packet (LMS) Upon Hire Required and

Sitter guidelines for safety 1 : 1 (LMS) Upon Hire Required and

High Risk Observation (LMS) Upon Hire Required and

Patient care assistant / sitter Epic training. Upon Hire Required and

De-escalation class (8-hour class) Upon Hire Required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Good customer service skills.

Excellent communication skills and de-escalation skills.

WellSpan Health's vision is to reimagine healthcare through the delivery of comprehensive, equitable health and wellness solutions throughout our continuum of care. As an integrated delivery system focused on leading in value-based care, we encompass more than 2,300 employed providers, 250 locations, nine award-winning hospitals, home care and a behavioral health organization serving central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. Our high-performing Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is the region's largest and one of the best in the nation. With a team 23,000 strong, WellSpan experts provide a range of services, from wellness and employer services solutions to advanced care for complex medical and behavioral conditions. Our clinically integrated network of 3,000 aligned physicians and advanced practice providers is dedicated to providing the highest quality and safety, inspiring our patients and communities to be their healthiest.

WellSpan York Hospital

Built on a solid 140-year legacy of providing high-quality, high-volume, community-based care, WellSpan York Hospital, the largest of WellSpan's eight hospitals, is a 596-bed acute care community teaching hospital that employs nearly 5,000 people, making WellSpan the largest employer in York County. Driven by a mission to provide exceptional care to all, WellSpan York Hospital serves a diverse population of more than 520,000 residents from the greater York County area. WellSpan York Hospital was one of several WellSpan Health hospitals honored by U.S. News & World Report with the High Performing recognition for 2022-23.

The hospital offers services and programs that feature highly skilled clinical staff, life-saving technology and state-of-the-art facilities to address some of the most complex medical, surgical and behavioral health conditions.

WellSpan York Hospital's Regional Resource / Level 1 Trauma Center has been accredited by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation and is the only accredited trauma center in York, Adams and Franklin counties. It is a nationally recognized teaching hospital with nine residency programs, six allied health schools and other training programs. More than 700 physicians and other professionals are members of WellSpan York Hospital's medical and dental staff.

WellSpan York Hospital in embarking on a significant five-year project. The centerpiece will be a new, eight-story surgical and critical care tower, which will dramatically expand the hospital's intensive care unit as well as develop new state of-the-art surgical suites, making it one of the top 10 largest hospitals in Pennsylvania with approximately 600 beds.

Quality of Life

Founded in 1741, the city of York is considered by many as the first capital of the United States. The Articles of Confederation were signed by the Second Continental Congress here in 1777. Its beautifully restored historic district is an architectural treasure. While York retains its farming and manufacturing heritage, at its heart York is a thriving cultural community that has attracted creative talent and innovative entrepreneurial investors from across the nation.

Life in York County offers affordable housing, options for higher education, a thriving arts and cultural community, historical attractions, parks and recreational resources, semi-professional baseball team, fine dining and more - within an easy drive of major East Coast cities.

York County residents can find local employment in healthcare, manufacturing, technology, agricultural and service sectors. (Patient population : 445,000)

WellSpan Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy and intention of the System to maintain consistent and equal treatment toward applicants and employees of all job classifications without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.