Patient Attendant

Salary Range: $18.76 - $22.86

Pay rates are determined based on experience and internal equity.

Position Summary:

• This position reports to the RN Charge Nurse on duty.

• Patient Attendants may be CNA’s or non-certified staff.

• Patient Attendants are responsible for assisting patients and nursing staff in non-nursing tasks on an as-needed basis.

• If the Patient Attendant is appropriately certified, (s)he may perform nursing activities within the scope of certification, but may not render assistance to patients other than the patient to which they are assigned.

• Must work well under stress or tight deadlines.

• Must work well with supervisors, co-workers, patients/residents, family members and visitors.

District Responsibility:

• Support of the District Mission and Values

• Demonstrate Respect, Professionalism and Courtesy to all patients, visitors, other providers and coworkers, as delineated in the LVMC “Commitment to Care”.

• Constantly use C-I-CARE principles when communicating with others.

• Performance Improvement Activities

• Professional Development

Position Duties/Responsibility:

• 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.).

• Positions self in or outside patient room to maintain constant visual observation of the patient. Never leaves the patient alone or out of sight unless specifically instructed by the nurse.

• Obtains instruction from nurse regarding ambulation limitations and course of action for redirection of patient if needed.

• May not transport patient for testing and procedures off the unit but must accompany and remain within arm’s length of patient unless otherwise directed by the person performing the test or procedure.

• Observant of the patient’s activity and behavior and communicates on a regular basis to the nurse. Receives direction from the nurse regarding what to report, to whom, and how.

• Provides for patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction. Maintains patient environment in a safe and orderly manner.

• Functions cooperatively as a team member. Responds as directed by responsible nurse to changing patients'/unit's needs.

• Communicates in a professional manner and demonstrates respect for patient, families/significant other and other health care members.

• Offers support and feedback to peers and staff. Applies principles of caring and healing in interactions with patients and families and with colleagues.

• Accurately and legibly records data collected and notifies RN of any untoward events, i.e., behavioral changes, violent behavior, etc.

• Offers consistent and visible support to team members.

• Complies with all rules, regulations, and nursing standards.

• Strives to achieve excellence of service as described in the LVMC Commitment to Care.

• Verbalizes understanding and responsibilities during all LVMC Emergency codes. The assigned patient remains the Patient Attendant’s PRIMARY responsibility at all times.

• Responsible for honest behavior in all matters. To the best of the employee’s knowledge and understanding, complies with all Federal and State laws and regulations.

• Maintains the privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information. Uses and discloses only that information which is necessary to perform the function of the job.

• Performs stocking of supplies when available to do so.

• Performs cleaning of rooms when available to do so.

• Assists nursing staff in transporting patients to inpatient department.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

• Must have the ability to lift up to five (5) pounds.

• Must have the ability to sit for prolong periods of time.

• Must have the ability to push, pull, bend and lift to perform the job duties.

• The ability to be supervised.

• The ability to work as a Team.

• The ability to have positive personal interactions with staff, patients, family and visitors.

Position Qualifications:

• Education: High School diploma preferred.

• Experience: None

• Certifications: None

• Skills/Ability: The ability to be patient and understanding to the patient’s needs.

• LVMC reserves the right to modify the minimum requirements depending on the needs of the organization.