Patient Care Partner - Nursing Unit - Per Diem

Responsibilities

Participates in the delivery of patient care for population groups under the direction of an RN/LPN including but not limited to the following: Lifting, turning, and positioning patients utilizing Safe Patient Handling equipment (> 35 pounds), as appropriate. Observing confused and difficult patients. AM/PM Hygiene care. Toileting, shaving, washing, brushing hair, dental and mouth care. Feeding. Assisting with range of motion exercises. Mobilizing patients ‐ transfers and ambulation, utilizing Safe Patient Handling equipment (> 35 pounds), as appropriate and following the Mobility protocol. Exercise protocols. Discontinuing foley catheter. Simple dressing changes. Incentive spirometry supervision. Surgical preps. Postmortem care. Administers cleansing enemas. Removal of peripheral IV catheters. Sits with confused/disoriented patients or those requiring 1:1 observation for safety/suicide purposes, as assigned. Performs and records accurately: Temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, heights and weights. I & O. Records bowel movements. ADLs and activities. Performs and records the following specimen collection: Obtains urine, stool, and sputum specimens for patients; instructs patients in proper specimen collection technique. Completes the following support activities: Completes EKGs. Transports patients as needed. Serves, sets up and retrieves trays. Distributes water pitchers as appropriate. Orders and distributes nourishment. Transports equipment. Transports blood products to and from the patient care area. Participates in patient safety/patient satisfaction. Answers call bells. Participates in patient rounding. Reports any signs of abuse to the nursing staff. Recognizes, troubleshoots and initiates corrective action needed on equipment. Maintains neat and tidy environment (empties laundry, delivers equipment, keeps patient rooms clean and safe). Inventories and assures disposition of patients' belongings when admitted, transferred, and/or discharged. Assures proper storage of equipment. Recognizes emergency situations and initiates plan of action. Notifies RN/LPN of any changes seen in patient's condition. Complies with policies and procedures of the hospital/nursing department. Supports the philosophy of the hospital and department of nursing. Maintains CPR certification and practice. Demonstrates cost‐effective patient care by demonstrating proper use and care of equipment, appropriate and prudent use of supplies, accurate charging of supplies; performing other division‐specific tasks, and appropriate utilization of available resources. Participates in performance improvement activities to improve service and care. Demonstrates strong communication and organizational skills. Ability to communicate using telephones, computer systems. Answers telephone promptly and politely, identifying self, title, and department. Receives and sends messages in an accurate and timely fashion. Communicates with the patients, family, and members of the healthcare team in a concise, tactful and considerate manner. Must represent the hospital in a professional courteous manner, while being sensitive to how others perceive both verbal and non‐verbal communications. Other Duties: Assists in the orientation of new personnel and serves as a role model to other employees. Demonstrates willingness to accept non-routine work assignments as appropriate. Encouraged to participate in community activities. Attends and participates in unit council (70% attendance).

Qualifications

Education High School Diploma or GED required. Experience Must meet one of the following qualifications: Successfully completed a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training course; or Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a Nurse Aide or equivalent patient care role; or Currently enrolled in a licensed nursing education program and have successfully completed a Fundamentals of Nursing course. Skills Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary healthcare team. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Basic computer and telephone proficiency. Ability to recognize changes in patient condition and communicate concerns promptly. Compassionate, patient-centered approach to care. Ability to safely assist with patient mobility and activities of daily living. Strong observation and critical thinking skills. Commitment to providing exceptional customer service and patient satisfaction. Compensation Compensation is based on experience and applicable organizational pay practices. Additional Notes Provides direct patient care to patients of all ages and interacts with family members as needed. Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting throughout the workday. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and assist with moving patients over 100 pounds using Safe Patient Handling equipment. Regular exposure to blood, body fluids, communicable diseases, and other healthcare-related hazards. Must adhere to all hospital policies, infection prevention standards, patient safety guidelines, and quality improvement initiatives. Current CPR certification required or obtained in accordance with organizational policy. Participation in orientation, unit council activities, ongoing education, and professional development is encouraged. Other duties may be assigned based on departmental needs.

• Joining the Guthrie team allows you to become a part of a tradition of excellence in health care.
• In all areas and at all levels of Guthrie, you’ll find staff members who have committed themselves to serving the community.
• The Guthrie Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• The Guthrie Clinic is a non-profit, integrated, practicing physician-led organization in the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania.
• Our multi-specialty group practice of more than 500 physicians and 302 advanced practice providers offers 47 specialties through a regional office network providing primary and specialty care in 22 communities.
• Guthrie Medical Education Programs include General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Anesthesiology and Orthopedic Surgery Residency, as well as Cardiovascular, Gastroenterology and Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship programs.
• Guthrie is also a clinical campus for the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.