The Patient Safety Associate (PSA) provides 1:1 safety observation and basic direct patient care, under the direction of the RN to include, but not limited to direct visual observation, verbal re-direction, safety checks, environment check care and comfort, recording of vital signs, personal care and hygiene, ADLs and mobility/fall prevention. The PSA serves as a liaison between patient and nurse to report concerns or changes to nurse on duty, providing customer service to patient, patient family and visitors and if applicable, provides documentation for patient care.

Essential Function

Provides 1:1 safety observation for patients requiring safety observation, including, but not limited to high risk suicidal, psychiatric, medical and surgical compromised patients with dementia, delirium, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse withdrawal and other diagnoses for potential patient harm.

Provides the appropriate verbal intervention/de-escalation with the patient, Provides patient with explanation of care as necessary, but does not counsel or offer opinion.

Maintains environment conductive to patient safety and recovery, including, but not limited to safety checks, environment of care room checks for ligature points and contraband, keeping patient room clean and organized, changing bed linens, and emptying linen bins.

Under the direction of RN or independent licensed practitioner, the Patient Safety Associate provides safe and direct care to patients on their assigned units making age appropriate adjustments as needed. Care is given to patients with and without medical complications to meet their comfort, ADL’s, such as personal hygiene IE: bathing, feeding, transporting, toileting, ambulating and safety needs. Care will be in accordance with nursing and medical plans of care and delivery per VCUHS Nursing and Hospital policy and procedure. Upon discovery, the Patient Safety Associate immediately reports any incident posing harm or threat to a patient to the supervising RN or independent licensed practitioner.

Under the direction of an RN or independent licensed practitioner, the Patient Safety Associate identifies own learning needs and demonstrates a commitment to meeting those needs. Work behaviors comply with written clinical and administrative directives. Individual communication skills are demonstrated in all interactions with members of the healthcare team. Interaction problems with co-workers are resolved at time of occurrence or reported to supervisor. Attends staff meetings or reads minutes as evidenced by signature on minutes. Participates in mandatory CA activities and unit-based QA/CQI activities.

Using established written, oral and electronic communication systems, the Patient Safety Associate documents patient care and clinical support activities in accordance with VCUHS Hospital and Nursing policies, procedures and standards of care within specified time frames. Documentation completed for 100% of assigned patients and pertinent patient observations reported to the supervising RN or independent licensed practitioner.

Performs other duties as assigned and/or participates in special projects in order to support the mission of VCUHS and department; Provides assistance to team members; Accepts alternate assignments, as required, graciously.

Required Education: High school diploma or GED

Preferred Education:

Certified Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant program

Current enrollment (or planned) in accredited school in healthcare and/or humanities related associates or baccalaureate  IE: Nursing, Medical, PT/OT, Pharmacy, Health Administration, Dental, Nutrition, PA, Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Chemistry, Forensics

Licensure/Certification Required: Current AHA BLC HCP certification

Licensure/Certification Preferred: Certified Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: ONE-year experience as a certified nurse assistant or medical assistant. ONE-year experience in healthcare related field with direct patient care

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.