Unit Support Associate/Patient Sitter - Neurosciences Unit

This is a full time position that will work 8 and 12 hour shifts.
In collaboration with and under the supervision of a Registered Nurse the Unit Support Associate will assist in activities directly related to the care of patients and operation of the unit. This will include but is not limited to providing direct 1:1 observation of patients related to safety or behavioral issues. Support the unit function by assisting in the maintenance of supplies, operations,Minimum Education
High School Diploma or GED (Required)
Required Skills/Knowledge
Basic computer skills preferred
knowledge of child development preferred
Required Licenses and Certifications
Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS) (Required)
Functional Accountabilities
Maintain Patient Safety
Maintain environmental safety through room sweep and checklist
Adhere to principles of pediatric safety through use of handrails, seat belts and direct observation.
Never leave patient unattended
Intervene quickly to calm, redirect, reorient patient, or guide patient to prevent harm to self or others.
Remain in patient room unless relieved by nurse or another Unit support associate
Accompany patient for any procedures off the unit
Meet/Satisfy Patient Needs
Engage patient in distracting, age appropriate goal oriented behavior, provide activities and conversations that are distracting and therapeutic (discuss with bedside RN)
Reinforces positive behavior
Assist with linen changes and room stocking
Assist in activities of daily living, including but not limited to washing, toileting, position changes and assistance with meals
Maintain universal precautions
Assist with providing breaks as directed by Charge Nurse
Maintain a Clean and Safe Environment
Keep room clean and tidy
Maintain a calm environment
When not responsible for direct patient observation stock unit, nurse servers, carts etc as directed by charge nurse.
Monitor common unit areas for cleanliness, stock par levels and supplies
Reports safety hazards to staff i.e. broken furniture/broken equipment
Assist in a variety of unit support activities as directed by Charge Nurse i.e. room set up, answer call bells, customer service activities.
Effective Communication with Other Staff
Reports pertinent patient information and call for assistance if the patient develops destructive behaviors i.e. pulling lines.
With RN establishes priorities for individual patient communicates with team members in establishing priority tasks.
Maintains regular communication with RN related to assigned duties and patient behavior; preforms activities within prescribed scope, seeks clarification when needed
Immediately report escalating behaviors to RN
Confers with RN when confronted with unfamiliar patient care issue.
Ensure information sharing when handing off to new Safety attendant