It takes a lot of very smart, hard-working and talented people to provide the level of care that we give to our patients. Tufts Medical Center is an internationally respected academic medical center and we pride ourselves not only on the sophistication of the care we deliver, but the compassionate way in which we provide it. And that starts with our employees.

The Patient Care Safety Aid will provide a safe environment for patients at risk through continuous observation.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care:

The PCSA will:

• Receive report from RN caring for patient prior to entering the patients room
• Review Continuous Observation Plan of Care with RN
• Actively observes patient at all times to ensure patient safety
• Actively engages patient in therapeutic conversation and activities when clinically appropriate
• Assist patient in activities of daily living including, but not limited to, feeding, toileting, ambulation
• Accompany patient off unit to any scheduled appointments or tests
• Provide accurate and timely documentation of patient’s behavior on flow sheet.

Environment:

The PCSA will:

• Maintain a safe environment for the patient at all times
• Report non-functioning equipment to the nursing staff
• Complies will all hospital protocols regarding infection control

Collaboration:

• Demonstrates/applies the skills necessary to interact with the health care team in regards to the implementation of the medical/nursing plan of care.
• Accepts assignments positively and resolves issues in a mature manner.
• Promotes open communication with the nursing staff to ensure a positive work environment.
• Behaves in a kind and courteous manner to patients, families and staff.
• Accepts constructive feedback in behavior and effects a positive change in a timely manner.

Climate:

• Influences others by establishing a climate for optimal patient care, mutually supportive collegial relationships and professional development.
• Maintains attendance standard.
• Takes breaks/lunch when nursing staff on the unit can accommodate coverage for the patient.
• Maintain positive customer relations in all interactions.
• Arrives to work on time and remains until the end of assigned shift.
• Adheres to dress code. Gray scrub tops and bottoms
  

• Ability to observe patient according to patient care safety aide guidelines and competencies.
• Ability to provide hygiene and toileting needs to patients they are observing.
• Ability to effectively communicate patient needs or changes to the nursing team.

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:
Possesses and applies the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span, with consideration of aging process, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

• Has the skills and knowledge to provide care to various age groups including:
• Knowledge of growth and development
• Providing age appropriate communication

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or GED
• Basic Life Support Certification required
• Completion of Nursing Assistant certification, Medical Assistant certification, home health aide program, or EMS Certification required. In Lieu of certifications, current Nursing students with completion of one virtual or in person clinical rotation will qualify

EXPERIENCE

• Previous patient care experience in a hospital or nursing home is preferred but is not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

• Prolonged sitting or walking
• Exposure to sick patients, bodily substances and other transmissible infections
• Subjected to irregular work hours
• Must remain alert and engaged in observing patient.
• Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients
• Contact with patients under wide variety of circumstances
• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations
• May have contact with hazardous materials