Patient Safety Companion

Job Summary

• Provides constant observation and companionship to assigned at-risk patients (confused, disoriented, combative, suicidal) to ensure patient's safety while in the hospital setting. Monitors for and intervenes and prevents patients from self-harm.
• Ensures patients comply with prescribed activity limits. Protects patients from falls, dislodging IV lines, O2 apparatus, catheters, and/or drains and dressings.
• Alerts nursing care staff for assistance with toileting, feeding, or other physical care needs of the patient.
• Requests immediate assistance for noted changes in patient condition and/or disruptive behaviors. Works under the direction/supervision of the nursing care team assigned to the patient

Working Environment

• May be exposed to dust/particulate matter.
• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids, or infectious organisms.
• May be exposed to potential electrical shock.
• May be exposed to radiation/electromagnetic energy.
• May be exposed to toxic, caustic, chemicals, and / or detergents.

Organizational Expectations

• Adheres to and exhibits our core values: Reverence: Having a profound spirit of awe and respect for all creation, shaping relationships to self, to one another and to God and acknowledging that we hold in trust all that has been given to us. Integrity: Moral wholeness, soundness, uprightness, honesty and sincerity as a basis of trustworthiness. Compassion: Feeling with others, being one with others in their sorrows and joys, rooted in the sense of solidarity as members of the human community. Excellence: Outstanding achievement, merit, virtue; continually surpassing standards to achieve/maintain quality.
• Attends staff meetings and completes mandatory in-services, requirements and competency evaluations on time.
• Compliance: Understands regulatory requirements with regard to compliance and all other laws and regulations that apply to the organizational operations (e.g. Code of Conduct) and how these regulations apply to the individual’s role/ department/ unit. Proactive in addressing compliance issues; reporting through appropriate channels such as supervisor, chain of command and Ethics Point. Completes mandatory introductory and ongoing training within the specified timeframes.
• Maintains current knowledge in present areas of responsibility (i.e., self-education, attends ongoing educational programs).
• Works collaboratively and supports efforts of team members. Demonstrates exceptional customer service and interacts effectively with physicians, patients, residents, visitors, staff and the broader health care community.

Job Roles 

PATIENT SAFETY COMPANION 

• Assist with basic non-clinical patient needs and comfort measures. -
• Assure that the environment of care is a safe environment. -
• Intervene when patient is attempting to climb out of bed/chair until assistance arrives. -
• Intervene when patient is attempting to pull at IV lines, Oxygen apparatus, catheters, drains, and dressings. -
• Notify Nursing care staff for any clinical patient care needs - toileting, feeding, pain or emergencies. 
• Observe for changes in patient condition, breathing, responsiveness, behavior and/or conversation, and self-injurious behavior, notifying Nursing care staff immediately. 
• Provide social interaction/distraction to patient when applicable.

THE MEDICAL HEART OF MARYLAND

Treating over 330,000 patients every year, the University of Maryland Medical Center is at the vital core of Maryland's health care system and community. We're known for our prestigious expertise in innovative research and education, along with the talented staff and advanced centers that make it all possible. The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, the world's first center dedicated to trauma, treats more than 7,500 critically injured patients a year with an incredible 97 percent survival rate. We also have one of the nation's largest kidney and pancreas transplant programs at The Joseph and Corinne Schwartz Division of Transplantation, home to Maryland's first steroid-free protocol and pancreas/kidney transplant. From our National Cancer Institute-designated UM Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center to The University of Maryland's Children's Hospital, one of the largest pediatric centers in the state, we are dedicated to saving and transforming lives.

Education 

• High School Diploma or GED (Required)

Certification / Licensure / Registration

• Not Applicable – No Certification and Licensure Requirements required or preferred

Experience and Skills

• Required Skills: Strong Verbal Communications Skills, Excellent Organizational Skills

Physical Requirements and Physical Demands

• Must be able to accurately document pertinent information either by writing or typing.
• Must be able to communicate clearly in person and over the telephone.
• Must be able to distinguish colors.
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks/motion.
• Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading information from printed sources and computer screens.
• Balancing: Occasionally within shift (1-33%)
• Bending: Occasionally within shift (1-33%)
• Crouching: Occasionally within shift (1-33%)
• Kneeling: Occasionally within shift (1-33%)
• Lift above shoulders/head: Occasionally within shift (1-33%)
• Lift from floor level up: Frequently within shift (34-66%)
• Lift from waist level up: Frequently within shift (34-66%)
• Lifting 10 lbs. maximum and occasionally lifting and/or carrying articles:
• Occasionally within shift (1-33%) Lifting 20 lbs. maximum and frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 lbs: Occasionally within shift (1-33%)
• Pulling with force: Occasionally within shift (1-33%) Reaching above head:
• Occasionally within shift (1-33%)
•  Reaching above shoulder: Occasionally within shift (1-33%)
• Sitting: Frequently within shift (34-66%)
• Squatting: Occasionally within shift (1-33%)
• Standing: Frequently within shift (34-66%)
• Walking: Occasionally within shift (1-33%)

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