Facility: Kennestone Hospital

Overview
The Care Partner is a support care provider who functions under the direction of the Registered Nurse. The Care Partner primary focus will be to promote a positive patient experience by partnering with the nurse, physician, healthcare team and other healthcare providers to provide excellence in patient experience; and assist with daily living activities and comfort measures. The Care Partner assists other health care providers with safe, age appropriate and culturally aware care by performing basic patient care functions; i.e. ADL's, ambulation, and vital signs.

The Care Partner may require approved advanced technical training skills may be required i.e. phlebotomy, simple treatments, dressing changes, oral suctioning, and discontinuing Foley catheters. Performing additional advanced skills may be required to support clinical care and will fluctuate depending on the needs of the unit. Performing clerical functions such as: retrieval of data, maintaining unit supplies, and transporting supplies/patient medications will be required. The Care Partner must be able to work in a fast-paced environment which requires multi-tasking and effective communication with the Registered Nurse and ancillary team. Must be able to perform under stressful conditions with a compassionate, respectful and service mindset. Must be able to take direction from a variety of care providers. Must be organized with excellent communication skills.


Responsibilities
Core Responsibilites and Essential Functions

Excellence in Patient Experience by partnering with health care team, patient and family. Patient Centered Care-Clinical Practice: Supports an environment of healing or wellness for patients which includes: addressing patient needs, following the plan of care as assigned or instructed by a licensed professional; and while carrying out role responsibilities, engages the patient and family in compliance with the treatment plan. Effectively contributes to the plan of care or treatment based on assigned tasks and patient/family input in collaboration with the healthcare team with a focus on the care continuum. Consistently implements all safety interventions to minimize risk in achievement of intended outcomes.
• Protects rights and dignity of patient.
• Maintains confidentiality adhering to HIPAA regulations and recommended privacy procedures.
• Participates in hourly patient rounding.
• Answers telephone and call lights promptly, professionally and notifies appropriate individual of need for follow-up.
• Resolves patient concerns or escalates to the charge nurse if unable to resolve patient concerns.
• Proactively offers assistance and comfort measures to patients and families.
• Present self in positive and professional manner and show sensitivity to concerns and needs of others.

Patient Centered Care
• Provides patient care under the direction of the RN.
• Provides patient care needs (ex. hygiene, nutrition, elimination, physical comfort measures) and additional advanced skills based on unit specific requirements (ex. phlebotomy, EKG, removal of foley catheters and removal of IVs).
• Answers telephone and call lights promptly, professionally and notifies appropriate individual of need for follow-up.
• Assist RN and other members of health care team with care delivery as assigned.
• Assist in direct patient admission.
• Monitors data entry for key patient safety information.
• Participates in charge reconciliation.
• Performs audits as requested.

Teamwork
• Supports initiatives of the Health care team.
• Participates in unit performance improvement initiatives.
• Supports professional nursing practice through shared leadership, evidenced-based practice and ethical accountability.
• Transports unit supplies, patient care supplies, medications and equipment as assigned.
• Practices 200% accountability.

Communication
• Uses effective written and oral communication skills with patients, staff, physicians, family and visitors, i.e. AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explain, Thank you).
• Uses safety communication techniques, i.e. Ask a question, Request a change, Voice a concern, Use chain of command when necessary (ARRC).
• Communicates completion of assignment/duties to RN or Charge Nurse.
• Documents completion of patient care in EMR (Electronic Medical Record).
• Communicates patient care concerns/problems/emergencies to the RN or Charge Nurse in a timely manner. Real time communication is required.
• Uses positive and respectful communication with all members of healthcare team, patients and families.
• Maintains equipment i.e. blood pressure machines, glucometers, and other patient care equipment. When devices are not properly working sequester, tag, and report to appropriate personnel.
• Communicates with patient and updates white boards with information.
• Knowledgeable, maintains, and acts as unit expert regarding patient care documentation tools related to their role in the event of downtime.

Safety and Infection Control
• Provides a safe environment for the provision of patient care.
• Consistent use of proper hand hygiene.
• Keeps patient rooms and unit areas clean and free of clutter.
• Follows appropriate PPE/Infection control policies in between patient care and equipment usage.
• Reinforces the importance of universal precautions with patient and patient’s family.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics, patient safe handling devices (i.e. lifts, transfer equipment, etc.), and additional assistive devices (i.e. walkers, gait belts).
• Performs environment of care rounds.

Required for All Jobs

Performs other duties as assigned

Complies with all WellStar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.

Qualifications
Required Minimum Education

High School rising Senior in good standing rising junior or senior Required or

High school diploma Preferred and

GED Preferred and

Graduation from a State approved program for Certified Nursing Assistants or Patient Care Tech Program Preferred

Required Minimum Experience

N/A

Required Minimum Skills

Ability to follow detailed directions.

Strong interpersonal skills.

Clear verbal and written communication, specifically ability to document.

Ability to work individually and as part of a team.

Wellstar minimum age of hire is 16.

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s)

Cert Nurse Assistant 0.00 Preferred 0.00

Basic Life Support 1.00 Required 1.00

BLS - Instructor Required

BLS - Provisional Required

Additional Licenses and Certifications