Patient Safety Companion
At the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), we are creating a better state of care, for our communities and our team members at more than 150 locations across Maryland.
UMMS believes all team members are caregivers—and we support our caregivers so they can care for our patients. When you join UMMS, you become part of a highly reliable community of more than 27,000, where your experience is respected, your expertise is recognized, and your passion and curiosity are nurtured. A generous benefits package supports your physical, mental, and financial health through a paid time off plan, comprehensive health coverage, dependent care and tuition reimbursement, retirement plan, wellbeing services and more.
UMMS embraces a just culture where all team members are treated fairly and are empowered to communicate their goals and pursue their full career potential. We are guided by our shared values—compassion, discovery, excellence, diversity and integrity—and we are looking for talented individuals who will embrace those values and help us achieve our mission and vision.
Patient Safety Companion
Job ID: REF40097Y
Area of Interest: Nursing Support
Location: Bel Air,MD US
Hours of Work: 7a-7p
Job Facility: University Of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health
Employment Type: Full Time
Shift: Day
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) offers the residents of northeastern Maryland an unparalleled combination of clinical expertise, leading-edge technology, and an exceptional patient experience.
A community-based, integrated, non-profit health system, our vision is to become the preferred, integrated health system creating the healthiest community in Maryland. We are dedicated to maintaining and improving the health of the people in our community through an integrated health delivery system that provides high quality care to all. Our commitment to service excellence is evident through a broad range of health care services, technologies and facilities. We work collaboratively with our community and other health organizations to serve as a resource for health promotion and education.
Today, UM UCH is the leading health care system and second largest private employer in Harford County.
Patient Safety Companion, Full-time Days
7am – 7pm
General Summary
Provides constant observation and support to patients who require close monitoring due to medical or behavioral reasons. Presence helps ensure the safety and well-being of these patients while they receive care. This role demands attentiveness, compassion, and a commitment to maintaining a secure and comfortable environment for the patient. Extends courtesy and support to patient’s family/visitor.
Principal Responsibilities and Tasks
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
1. Provides continuous observation of assigned patients to maintain patient safety. Obtains verbal report from the patient’s nurse to include information regarding the patient’s identified care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, as well as any special consideration (NPO, bed alarms, etc.).
2. Maintains a calm composure and a soft tone when communicating with the patient.
3. Verbally redirects the patient from engaging in risky and harmful behaviors.
4. Summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance through appropriate communication tools.
5. Monitors and attempts to prevent patient from self-harm, falls, eloping, smoking, dislodging IV lines, O2 apparatus, catheters, and /or drains and dressings through calling for assist (call bed, personal alarm) and attempting to redirect with communication.
6. Requests immediate assistance for noted changes in patient condition and/or disruptive behaviors.
7. Initiates C.P.R. procedure as needed to ensure patient care and safety.
8. Maintains infection control practices (standard precautions and isolation precautions).
9. Maintains appearance and order of patient rooms and work areas.
10. Engages the patient in diversional activities such as coloring and games as appropriate.
11. Demonstrates respect for individuals, customer service, teamwork and collaboration:
A. Models excellence in customer service behaviors. Identifies and acts on opportunities to respond to customer requirements. Acts to prevent potential customer complaints.
B. Initiates and reports service recovery steps taken in response to customer concerns.
C. Demonstrates the ability to monitor patients according to the age, culture, ethnicity, spirituality, and individual diagnostic needs of the persons served.
D. Uses hand-off communication to convey appropriate clinical/patient information.
E. Maintains confidentiality of patient information (HIPAA).
F. Provides an inclusive environment for peers, orientees and students.
G. Voices difference in opinion professionally through appropriate channels.
12. Assists in ensuring patient safety.
13. Assumes responsibility for attending required education and training.
Education and Experience
- High School diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
- CPR certification required or obtained within 60 days of hire.
- Previous healthcare experience preferred.
- Knowledge of proper body mechanics preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrates maturity, tact, judgment and sensitivity to people.
- Ability to function independently with minimal supervision.
- Knowledgeable and supportive of patient and organizational confidentiality and related hospital policies.
- Ability to read and write required.
- Ability to learn and use computer systems.
- Utilizes effective communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills.
- Ability to respond to patient behavioral changes.
- Ability to organize work priorities, perform several duties simultaneously and function in stressful situations.
- Ability to work with others as a member of the healthcare team.
- Ability to complete documentation/forms related to observation of the patient.
- Demonstrates strong verbal communication skills and excellent organizational skills.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Compensation
- Pay Range: $17.05-$22.47
- Other Compensation (if applicable): Shift Differentials
- Review the 2024-2025 UMMS Benefits Guide