Extra Help - Peer Support Assistant - Hospital General Psychiatric Nursing

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or designee, the Extra Help Peer Support Assistant delivers patient care utilizing the Relationship-Based Care model as a framework with the primary responsibility to provide ongoing and continuous observation, and monitoring to patients who may pose a threat of harm. Through therapeutic relationships with patients, families, self and colleagues, the Extra Help Peer Support Assistant functions as an interdisciplinary team member who provides patient care and fulfills unit and organizational goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides one-to-one observation and patient safety support across inpatient units, and monitors patients with psychiatric, safety, or non-behavioral health risks (e.g., fall risk, cognitive impairment).
• Completes assigned duties relating to one-on-one peer assistance and supports the patient through continuous observation of patient or when not providing ongoing and continuous observation, perform Q/15-minute behavioral observation checks or camera observation.
• Develops a rapport and builds therapeutic relationships with clients/peers to create a safe space where clients/peers can be open and honest about their struggles; provides support to clients/peers on a variety of subjects by offering an open perspective and dialogue.
• Provides feedback to RN while completing routine assignments to enhance throughput from the emergency room to the psych department.
• Documents patient information in EHR (nursing care provided, intake and output).
• Demonstrates a commitment to UI Health values through teamwork and effective communication to achieve quality outcomes, patient safety, customer satisfaction and a clean, safe and therapeutic environment.
• Collaborate with other staff to identify, promote, and provide positive learning experiences for staff and students.
• Functions as a behavioral health sitter and floats between units within the UI Health Hospital System
• Other duties as assigned
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.