PATIENT COMPANION (REQ 3524)

POSITION PURPOSE, NATURE, AND SCOPE:

Under the supervision of an RN, the Patient Companion provides close observation of patients in behavioral health crisis, in the inpatient setting of South Peninsula Hospital. The Patient Companion assists in the maintenance of a safe and clean environment, promoting a therapeutic environment and patient-centered care. The Patient Companion monitors the safety of patient, both in regards to self and others, continuously throughout the duration of the shift. When patient observation is not needed, the Patient Companion supports other departments in the organization, including but not limited to Registration and Labor & Delivery. The Patient Companion will report to the Acute Care Director.

CONTACTS:

The Patient Companion is in frequent communication with patients and their families, physicians and their office staff, other staff of the hospital and the general public.  Every effort should be made to project a professional, positive, friendly image of the facility when communicating with these contacts.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

You will be a good fit for this job if… 

• You enjoy working for an organization that is growing and challenging time in healthcare.
• You possess a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
• You enjoy working for people that care about their employees and want to create a great workplace.
• You are able to maintain unbiased working relationship with employees, managers, administration and labor union while upholding strict confidence in all patient and employee matters. 

EDUCATION / TRAINING / EXPERIENCE: 

Education:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Required within 30 days of employment:
  • South Peninsula Hospital Close Patient Observation training
  • Basic Life Support
  • TEAM De-escalation training
  • Restraints training

Work Experience:

• Healthcare experience, such as Medical Assistant or Certified Nursing Assistant, preferred.
• Must demonstrate good communication skills and legible handwriting.

ENVIRONMENT:

The South Peninsula Hospital is a combined 22 bed Acute care hospital and 28 bed long term care facility located at the southern end of the Kenai Peninsula in South-Central Alaska.  The working environment is generally pleasant, clean and well maintained.  The position requires a moderate amount of mobility.  The ability to reason, speak and have basic manual dexterity is essential.  There is the need to attend meetings and classes both inside and outside of the Hospital setting and to participate in interviews or provide training within the Hospital building. Physical demands are moderate and may include sitting, standing for prolonged periods, walking, stooping and occasional lifting.  Most work is performed inside and the work is generally of a positive nature.