RN Acute-Intensive Care Unit-Lutheran

UNITYPOINT TRINITY MEDICAL CENTER

POSITION TITLE:Safety Companion (Comfort Companion)

DEPARTMENT: Clinical Resource Team

FTE: 1.0 (40 hours per week)

Shift: 3pm-11pm

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Assist nursing unit to promote a safe environment for patients at risk of injury to themselves or others in an effort to ensure that medical/nursing interventions can be provided. A sitter is an alternative to the utilization of restraints.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A. EDUCATION, TRAINING EXPERIENCE:

1. Must complete Patient Sitter Education Program.

2. Previous healthcare experience preferred.

3. Must be able to read, write, and follow written and oral instruction. Must have interpersonal skills to deal effectively with patients/families and staff. Must be able to set priorities and react rationally to situations in patient care settings. Knowledge of medical terminology helpful.

4. Within 1 year of hire, may enroll Trinitys Certified Nurse Assistant program

B. KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES SKILLS:

Ability to closely observe patient for extended periods of time. Must be able to read, write, and follow written and oral instruction. Must have interpersonal skills to deal effectively with patients/families and staff. Must be able to set priorities and react rationally to situations in patient care settings. Knowledge of medical terminology helpful.

C. LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:

CPR Certification required.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

A. RESPONSIBLE TO: RN and LPN

B. WORKERS SUPERVISED: None

INTER-RELATIONSHIPS: Nursing Staff, Patient, Family

WORKING CONDITIONS:

.

. May be exposed to infections and contagious diseases

. Potential exposure to the risk of bloodborne pathogens Category I

. Exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment

. Exposed to housekeeping/cleaning agents/chemicals

. May be exposed to toxic chemicals

. Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements

. Contact with patients under wide variety of circumstances

. Exposed to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries and illness)

. Handles emergency or crisis situations

. May perform emergency care

. Exposed to heat, wetness, odors in kitchen and/or patient areas

. Occasionally subjected to irregular hours

. Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries

. May be exposed to environmental temperature changes: hot to cold, etc.

. Works in a smoke-free environment

. Occasional exposure to video display terminal

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

. Extremely heavy physical effort (lift/carry 50 lbs or more)

. Frequent prolonged standing/walking

. Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients

. Lifts supplies/equipment

. Manual dexterity and mobility

. Intermittent exertion when performing treatments

. Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching

. Requires far acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 feet or more

. Requires near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

PATIENT POPULATIONS SERVED:

Adolescent

Adult

Geriatric

JOB DUTIES:

RESPONSIBILITIES/ADMINISTRATIVE/CLINICAL:

A. Assist in keeping the room neat.

B. Stay with patient at all times unless otherwise instructed by nurse.

C. Notify nurse immediately with any concerns about the patient.

D. Provide patient sitter care per education program.

E. Will also function in PCT capacity if meet the PCT requirements.

III. DEMONSTRATION OF VALUES: Consistently demonstrates Trinitys

values in the performance of job duties and responsibilities.

A. Demonstrates Excellence A standard of the highest quality in the service we deliver to meet the various needs of our customers.

B. Demonstrates Flexibility openness to the change which accompanies the exploration of new ways of delivering service.

C. Demonstrates Integrity The assurance that all our dealings with patients and their families, physicians, employees, suppliers, and the community members and others with whom we do business, will be filled with respect, fairness and honesty.

D. Demonstrates Responsiveness A commitment to work with others to identify the needs of our customers and to strive to meet these needs.

E. Demonstrates Service A pledge to offer appropriate services to all persons, regardless of socioeconomic status, race or religion.

F. Demonstrates Teamwork A cooperative effort, involving employees, physicians, patients, and community members, working together to provide quality, compassionate, cost-effective health care.

IV. PRINCIPLES OF HOSPITALITY: Consistently demonstrates Trinitys Principles of Hospitality when interacting with patients, families, physicians, co-workers, visitors, and others.

A. Is friendly.

B. Responds quickly.

C. Takes ownership.

D. Is a valued information resource.

E. Shows respect for others.

F. Provides value-added service.

G. Projects a professional image.

V. CORPORATE INTEGRITY PLAN: Consistently demonstrates support of Trinitys Corporate Integrity Plan in the performance of job duties and responsibilities.

A. Develops and maintains knowledge of current rules, regulations, policies, and statutes that affect his/her job.

B. Monitors his/her work area to ensure corporate integrity issues are identified and addressed.

C. Reports Corporate Integrity Plan compliance issues in an appropriate and timely manner.

D. Supports Trinitys Corporate Integrity Plan.

VI. PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL COMMITMENT: Consistently demonstrates appropriate commitment to professional development.

A. Completes all mandatory in-services and competency requirements.

B. Assumes responsibility for professional growth and development.

Pursues opportunities for professional enrichment.

C. Utilizes supplies and resources of the organization in a cost effective manner.

D. Maintains commitment to working scheduled hours.

E. Knows and follows the Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the department/unit. Takes appropriate measures to prevent unsafe actions or conditions from resulting in harm to self or others. Reports accidents/injuries in a thorough and timely manner. Reports for duty in the proper mental, physical, and emotional condition.

EOE M/F/V/D

EOE M/F/V/D