The Total Joint Unit provides care for patients undergoing elective hip and knee replacements and other orthopedic procedures such as shoulder and back surgeries. This unit works closely with the Navigator to teach classes that provide information to help patients be successful after joint replacement. Because of the collaboration between nursing and the Navigator, we have seen a reduction in post op complications. Patient experience scores consistently exceed system goals. This is a small 13 bed unit that works closely together to care for all its patients. Patient care assistants are an essential part of the patient care team providing daily care and emotional support to patients when they need it most. By observing patients carefully, they are the eyes and ears of our clinical staff, making sure our healthcare team has everything they need to assist with the healing journey of our patients and their families.

Provides all personal care services in accordance with the plan of treatment assigned by the registered nurse to include but not limited to:

measure and record intake and output

measure and record vital signs, 02 Saturation, weight and height

positioning patients; lifting and turning patients

applying/utilizing special equipment

assisting in use of bedpan, urinal or commode

ambulating the patient

pre-operative and post-operative care

application/removal of anti-embolism stocking and SCD devices

removal of foley catheters

perineal care; vaginal irrigations (non-sterile) and sitz baths

non-medicated enemas

application of heat and cold

care of the incontinent patient

skin care to the immobilized patient

removal of saline lock

emptying of colostomy bags

application of appliances for heat and cold

performing blood sugars

placing patients on cardiac monitors

set up of oxygen equipment

feeding patients

collecting, labeling, and transporting of lab specimens.

2. Accurately documents care provided according to policies and procedures.
3. Applies safety principles when performing care such as ambulation of patients, transferring patients, assisting with normal range of motion and positioning.
4.  Participates in economical utilization of supplies and ensures that equipment and nursing units are maintained in a clean, safe manner.
5. Consistently performs basic care requirements such as rounding, use of AIDET, applying the “4 Ps” (Pain,            Position, Potty, Proximity of items); prompt response to patient needs; performance of hand hygiene; use of two       patient identifiers, etc.
6. Assists in performance improvement (PI) activities by serving on PI teams as warranted, assisting with PI measures and supporting and implementing changes necessary for improvement.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

High School diploma or equivalent preferred. Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English. American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider required within 30 days of employment in Patient Safety Companion role. Previous patient care experience preferred. Must have basic computer skills to support the use of electronic medical record, e- mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet. Reliable transportation to support assignment between two facilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

WORK CONTEXT

• Communicate with different personalities and engage in face to face discussion
• Dealing with unpleasant or physically aggressive personalities
• Must be able to deal with conflict
• Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately
• Must be able to receive delegation
• Must be able to work in groups
• Must be able to perform structured and unstructured work
• Must be meet time pressure and time lines
• Must be able to perform in exact and accurate manner
• Must be able to use electronic mail, telephone and texting
• Includes possible exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazardous materials and/or cleaning solutions
• Requires wearing of common protective and safety equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, mask, gowns, etc.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

• Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must be able to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking
• Must be able to reach reasonable distances in any direction
• Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, bend, sit, stoop and lift
• Must be able to run in an emergency
• Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner and must be able to feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape and size with fingertips
• Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation
• Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range
• Must possess stamina to work 12-hour shift
• Physical presence onsite is essential
• Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.
• Physical presence onsite is essential.