HCSS Patient Safety Assistant

JOB SUMMARY : Per diem position.

The patient safety assistant provides activities which support the daily functions and operations of an assigned patient care unit. To provide continuous observation and appropriate documentation on activity of an assigned patient who has been identified as having increased risk for injury. Works with the multidisciplinary team through clear and timely communications.  Reports directly to the assigned patient’s nurse and / or charge nurse, working to promote safety in patient care.

MAJOR DUTIES / CRITICAL TASKS :

• Contributes to the success of UTMB Health Care Systems Staffing.
• Prior to the start of the shift, receives a report from the assigned nurse on the following :
• patient’s name and pertinent social information regarding the family,
• the reason that the patient has been assigned a Patient Safety Assistant, and
• specific concerns (as identified in the medical record, by family members, by the previous shift’s staff, etc.) regarding the patient’s safety needs.
• Documents and reports sequential events on the appropriate records or log and communicates patient’s needs or specific changes to the assigned nurse and / or charge nurse.
• Assists with safe, prompt transfers of patients from various hospital / clinic areas
• Does not leave patient unattended at any time.
• Transports specimens and requisitions to the appropriate areas.
• Helps to feed patients who need assistance to eat.
• Assists with personal care, including baths, weighing, and linen and bed changes
• Recognizes obvious patient care priorities; communicates patient needs / emergencies to the appropriate staff
• Provides simple comfort measures that do not interfere with the primary role of continuous observation of the patient.
• Follows policies and operating procedures when relieving in a supply booth as well as clinical area : orders adequate supplies, checks for expiration dates, verifies charges, as directed by supervisor.
• Records activities requiring documentation and signs on the appropriate records / logs.
• Always maintains patient’s privacy and confidentiality of information.
• Provides a clean, safe environment; performs or assists others to perform proper aseptic techniques, isolation procedures, and infection control measures.
• Adheres to internal controls established for department.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications - External

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES :

EQUIPMENT :

WORKING ENVIRONMENT :

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORKING CONDITIONS :

Other : Specific job requirements or physical location of some positions allocated to this classification, may render this position security sensitive, and thereby subject to the provisions of Section 51.215, Texas Education Code.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require the prior approval of the Executive Director of Human Resources / Representative.