What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patient Companion/Sitter/1:1 - 12 hour shift position at Lakeview Specialty Hosp?
Want to work in healthcare but don't know where to start? How about become a patient companion?
- 12 hour shifts: either Days (7am start) or NOC (7pm start).
- Position will include every other weekend as part of the two-week rotation.
Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Patient Companion provides constant and appropriate observation of assigned patient. He/she assists in providing a safe environment for the patient. Verbal report from the RN includes information regarding the patient's identified care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory or language barriers as well as any special considerations. This role works directly with the patient in his/her hospital room.
The position requires a calming yet professional demeanor, positive attitude, excellent communication skills and the ability to work productively under stress. In addition, candidates must have the ability to work with a variety of patent populations with a variety of medical and behavioral health conditions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Tends to the patient’s immediate needs for health and comfort in an environment that optimizes patient safety.
- Provides monitoring of patients in accordance with Hospital and facility policies.
- Displays appropriate interaction skills. Actively and professionally communicates with family members and others in a professional manner.
- Demonstrates flexibility and responsibility in scheduling, coverage, and provision of clinical services to meet the needs of the patients and families.
- Actively participates in all assigned training programs to meet state and company requirements. Adheres to the administrative, clinical, and Human Resource Policies of Lakeview Specialty Hospital & Rehab.
1. Visually tends to the patient’s immediate needs for health, comfort, and safety while ensuring their own safety.
- Monitors patient's immediate area to ensure lack of items that patient can readily harm self or others with. Alerts nursing staff with any findings.
- Keeps a safe distance between self and patient.
- Provide personal items to the patient only when the Nurse/nursing staff approves.
- Alerts the nursing staff immediately if the patient becomes agitated or attempts to harm self or others.
- Alerts the nursing staff immediately if threats are made by the patient at any time.
2. Provides visual supervision in accordance with facility policies.
- Alerts the nursing staff to any care the patient needs to be met in a timely manner.
- Consult with the nursing staff before engaging in any recreational activity with the patient.
- Consult with the nursing staff before providing any foods or fluids to patients.
3. Communicates appropriately with patients, staff, and family. Follows protocols.
- Requests patient report from nursing staff prior to sitting with a patient. Ask questions on information provided if necessary.
- Maintains continuous visual contact of the patient. Alerts nursing staff if replacement is needed for any reason (bathroom, break, etc.). Does not leave the patient alone.
- Hold appropriate conversations with patients. Alert nursing staff of any inappropriate patient remarks that could affect safety measures.
4. Adheres to policies and procedures.
- Demonstrates knowledge of seven emergency codes and role in each.
- Able to locate and demonstrate the use of departmental resources, including Facility P & P's, Emergency Preparedness/Safety Manual, etc.
- Demonstrates thorough understanding and competency of infection control issues and standard/ universal precautions.
- Completes all mandatory in-service training within required time frames.
5. Adheres to Lakeview Infection Control Policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, hand hygiene, isolation, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- To complete Infection Control Orientation upon hire.
- To demonstrate hand hygiene and PPE competency upon hire and annually.
- To maintain Lakeview requirements regarding vaccination, including but not limited to Influenza and COVID-19.
Skill, knowledge, and abilities and Education:
- Knowledge of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), physical, cognitive, psychological, emotional, and/or communication disabilities preferred.
- Standard Precautions class required. CPR required within 60 days or hire.
About Lakeview Specialty Hospital & Rehab:
