BH Patient Safety Aide Lvl 1 - Float Nursing Staff - Days

Part Time (40 Hours Biweekly)

Day Shift  (7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)

Every 3rd weekend and holiday rotation

Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Nurse Manager or designated RN, is responsible to provide care to patients that require behavioral management and patients that present a risk due to psychiatric illnesses. The position encompasses care for patients that require special precautions and is required to remain with the assigned patient at all times during their shift except when relieved by staff for breaks. The aide is expected to remain alert and observant to prevent injury or escape and provide de-escalation of patient behaviors. The aid is expected to engage in therapeutic communication and activities to distract, occupy and develop a positive supportive rapport with patients. 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:

1. 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.
2. Accompanies patient during transport and escorts patients as required.
3. 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.
4. Positions self in patient room at bedside to maintain constant visual observation of the patient. Never leaves the patient alone or out of sight unless specifically instructed by the nurse.
5. 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.
6. Provides for patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction. Maintains a safe and therapeutic milieu.
7. Assumes responsibility for conducting milieu groups, as appropriate.
8. Responds promptly and appropriately to crisis or emergency. Utilizes principles, of MBMT in managing high risk situations.
9. Communicates professionally and demonstrates respect for patient, families/significant other and other health care members.
10. Offers support and feedback to peers and staff.
11. Applies principles of caring and healing in interactions with patients and families and with colleagues.
12. Engages patient in therapeutic communication 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.
13. Documents required information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR), as appropriate.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Excellent customer service, communication, and de-escalation skills
• Must work cooperatively with other team members within the department
• Current experience in a hospital or clinical setting providing patient care and/or observation services is preferred.  May consider other relevant experience involving care of the elderly, disabled and/or incapacitated, children, etc., as well as other community volunteer/service experience
• Required Certification:  BLS Certification; Child Abuse Clearances
• Must successfully complete required courses/training:  WellSpan high risk observation training (or per entity requirement), MBMT and Epic training