Patient Companion - Central Region Float Pool (Emergency Departments Included) - Per Diem

Benefits of working at Geisinger:

• 401(k) plan that includes automatic Geisinger contributions
• Free Care.com membership with discounted backup care for your loved ones
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Referrals for childcare, eldercare, & pet care; Access free legal guidance, mental health visits, work-life support, digital self-help tools and more
• My Health Rewards wellness program to improve your health
• Shared governance structure that empowers our nursing support staff
• On the job training and education
• Professional opportunities for growth and advancement
• Support and mentorship from a full range of dedicated nursing leaders
• Community involvement through our Employee Resource Groups
• Employee referral incentive program
• Geisinger values and prioritizes the safety and security of our staff by investing in a Strongline Alert Notification system worn by our staff, robust camera surveillance system, metal detectors at certain locations and security guards/K9 program on campus.

Job Description:

Provides a safe environment, companionship and supportive care for patients that require constant observation as identified by a nurse or physician. Maintains a safe environment for any patient requiring 1:1 supervision. Maintains constant observation of patient. Responsible to accompany the patient if he or she must leave the unit for reasons identified by the care provider.

• Maintain a safe, private, and comfortable therapeutic environment.
• Redirects impulsive and harmful behavior.
• Remain in clear sight of patient at all times, unless otherwise instructed by the nursing staff.
• Calls for assistance when unable to redirect patient or there is a potential for self-injury.
• Participate in report at the beginning and end of shift, making sure to inform pertinent information to Registered Nurse at the end of the shift.
• Accompany patient to all clinical tests, procedures, or appointments off the patient unit.
• Talks to the patient and use conversation to keep them focused.
• Assist patients with meals, when patient does not have swallowing precautions, or require carbohydrate counts.
• Assist with bed making.
• Activates bed alarms and and or chair alarms.
• Assists staff with walking patients.

Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position.