Patient Safety Companion, Float Pool, Part-Time

Company Description

Experience the highest level of appreciation at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center — named Top Workplace in the Baltimore area by The Baltimore Sun two years in a row (2019 & 2020); Top Workplace in the USA for 2021!  As part of the acclaimed University of Maryland Medical System, our facility is one of three ANCC Pathway to Excellence® designated hospitals in Maryland. UM BWMC features one of the state’s busiest emergency departments, as well as a team of experts who care for our community and one another. 

The University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UMBWMC) provides the highest quality health care services to the communities we serve. Our medical center is home to leading-edge technology, nationally recognized quality, personalized service and outstanding people. We have 285 licensed beds and we’re home to 3,200 employees and over 800 physicians.

Our expert physicians and experienced, compassionate staff are connected to medical practices in the local community as well as at University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore. For patients, this means access to high-quality care and research discoveries aimed at improving Maryland’s health.  Our physicians and nursing staff specialize in emergency, acute, medical-surgical and critical care. In addition, our medical center is home to many Centers of Excellence, offering expert outpatient health care.

Job Description

PART-TIME - 2 (two) 12-hr Shifts - 8am-830pm

General Summary 
 
Provides constant observation and support to patients who require close monitoring due to medical or behavioral reasons. Presence helps ensure the safety and well-being of these patients while they receive care. This role demands attentiveness, compassion, and a commitment to maintaining a secure and comfortable environment for the patient. Extends courtesy and support to patient’s family/visitor.     

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks 
 
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified. 

1. Provides continuous observation of assigned patients to maintain patient safety. Obtains verbal report from the patient’s nurse to include information regarding the patient’s identified care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, as well as any special consideration (NPO, bed alarms, etc.). 
2. Maintains a calm composure and a soft tone when communicating with the patient.  
3. Verbally redirects the patient from engaging in risky and harmful behaviors.   
4. Summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance through appropriate communication tools. 
5. Monitors and attempts to prevent patient from self-harm, falls, eloping, smoking, dislodging IV lines, O2 apparatus, catheters, and /or drains and dressings through calling for assist (call bed, personal alarm) and attempting to redirect with communication.   
6. Requests immediate assistance for noted changes in patient condition and/or disruptive behaviors. 
7. Initiates C.P.R. procedure as needed to ensure patient care and safety. 
8. Maintains infection control practices (standard precautions and isolation precautions).   
9. Maintains appearance and order of patient rooms and work areas. 
10. Engages the patient in diversional activities such as coloring and games as appropriate.   

• Models excellence in customer service behaviors. Identifies and acts on opportunities to respond to customer requirements. Acts to prevent potential customer complaints. 
• Initiates and reports service recovery steps taken in response to customer concerns. 
• Demonstrates the ability to monitor patients according to the age, culture, ethnicity, spirituality, and individual diagnostic needs of the persons served. 
• Uses hand-off communication to convey appropriate clinical/patient information. 
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information (HIPAA). 
• Provides an inclusive environment for peers, orientees and students. 
• Voices difference in opinion professionally through appropriate channels. 

Qualifications

Education And Experience

1. High School diploma or equivalent (GED) required.  
2. Current CPR certification required. 
3. Previous healthcare experience preferred. 
4. Knowledge of proper body mechanics preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

1. Demonstrates maturity, tact, judgment and sensitivity to people.   
2. Ability to function independently with minimal supervision. 
3. Knowledgeable and supportive of patient and organizational confidentiality and related hospital policies.   
4. Ability to read and write required. 
5. Ability to learn and use computer systems. 
6. Utilizes effective communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills. 
7. Ability to respond to patient behavioral changes. 
8. Ability to organize work priorities, perform several duties simultaneously and function in stressful situations. 
9. Ability to work with others as a member of the healthcare team. 
10. Ability to complete documentation/forms related to observation of the patient.                              
11. Demonstrates strong verbal communication skills and excellent organizational skills. 

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation:

• Pay Range: $17.00-$22.47
• Other Compensation (if applicable): May be eligible for shift differential.
• Review the 2025-2026 UMMS Benefits Guide

Like many employers, UMMS is being targeted by cybercriminals impersonating our recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. We will never ask for banking details, personal identification, or payment via email or text. If you suspect fraud, please contact us at careers@umms.edu.Like many employers, UMMS is being targeted by cybercriminals impersonating our recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. We will never ask for banking details, personal identification, or payment via email or text. If you suspect fraud, please contact us at careers@umms.edu.