ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                        Patient Safety Assistant        

REPORTS TO POSITION:        Nurse Manager or ANM

DEPARTMENT:                         Varies

DATE LAST REVIEWED:          January 2025

OUR VISION:                Creating America’s healthiest community, together.

OUR MISSION:             In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value

OUR VALUES:              Accountability, Caring and Teamwork

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Patient Safety Assistant (PSA) is responsible for providing constant observation and support to pediatric, adolescent and adult patients who require close monitoring due to medical, behavioral, or safety reasons. The Patient Safety Assistant will work under the direction of an RN to provide constant observation of a patient who is in danger of causing harm to themselves or others if left unattended and facilitate a safe environment for patients and staff. The Patient Safety Assistant (PSA) ensures the patient's safety and comfort while adhering to established protocols and procedures.  This position does not directly supervise any other caregivers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Provides continuous monitoring by maintaining constant visual observation of an assigned patient to ensure their safety and well-being. Remains alert to changes in patient behavior or condition and promptly reports any concerns to the nursing staff or healthcare team.

Responsible for conducting a room check to ensure potential harmful items are removed from the patient's room.

Provides assistance with activities of daily living, such as ambulation, toileting, and meal assistance, as needed.

Interacts with patients of all ages, social, cultural and economic backgrounds with a polite, therapeutic and positive approach to alleviate anxiety, boredom, or distress during periods of observation.

Demonstrates and validates adherence to quality and safety as measured and documented in the PSA’s competency standards.

Accurately documents observations, interventions, and patient responses in the medical record according to established procedures and policies.

Follows safety measures and interventions as instructed, such as de-escalation strategies and room safety protocols, while ensuring patient dignity and respect.

Ability to travel and work in various St. Charles Hospitals and nursing departments.

Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.  Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, supporting the health system’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violations of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all company investigations and proceedings.

Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, safe, efficient, and accurate.

Supports the vision, mission, and values of the organization in all respects.

Supports lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.

Participates in creating intentional relationships and demonstrates a supportive attitude and behaviors that enhance the care experience.

Provides a therapeutic presence in service to others by purposefully responding to the needs of patients and families in a caring way, including introducing oneself and explaining their role in the patient’s care, asking the patient their preferred name, sitting with the patient to support their care goals, active listening, promote a healing environment and communicating effectively and appropriately through touch, eye contact, etc.

Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests.

EDUCATION                  
Required:  High School Diploma or GED

Must be willing to take additional courses as required for the position

Preferred:  N/A

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION

Required: AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification, prior to completion of orientation.

Preferred: Current Licensure/Certification as a CNA, EMT, or Medical Assistant

Completion of training program: EMT, CNA, MA, Paramedic, RN Students: completion of 1st quarter/semester of nursing school.

EXPERIENCE

Required:  N/A

Preferred: Acute health care experience. Behavioral health experience.  Long term care experience. Licensed childcare experience.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION: 

Basic understanding of medical terminology, patient care principles, and safety protocols.

Strong observational skills and attention to detail.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations.

Physical stamina and ability to stand or sit for extended periods.

Ability to effectively interact and communicate with all levels within St. Charles Health System and external customers/clients/potential employees.

Strong teamwork and collaborative skills.

Ability to follow verbal and written communications in order to complete duties and assignments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Continually (75% or more): Standing and walking, keyboard operation, use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level.

Frequently (50%): Sitting, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 1-25 pounds. The use and operation of a motor vehicle to travel between all 4 St. Charles campuses.

Occasionally (25%): Bending, stooping/kneeling/crouching, climbing ladder/step-stool (varies by area), reaching overhead, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 25-50 pounds, grasping/squeezing, ability to hear whispered speech level.

Rarely (10%): Climbing stairs.

Never (0%): Climbing ladder/step-stool (varies by area), operation of a motor vehicle.   

Exposure to Elemental Factors

Rarely (10%): Wet/slippery area, chemical solution.

Never (0%):  Heat, cold, noise, dust, vibration, uneven surface.

Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category

Risk for Exposure to BBP

Schedule Weekly Hours:

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