Patient Representative

clinical training site for SUNY Downstate College of Medicine.

We currently seek a Patient Representative to serve as liaison between patient and hospital staff while functioning as a patient advocate interfacing with patients, families, staff and hospital administration; assists patients in interpreting hospital policies, procedures and services, and in obtaining solutions to problems and concerns.

• Patient Advocacy & Education
  Educates patients/families on hospital policies, the Patient’s Bill of Rights, pain management, safety, & advance directives (HCP, DNR, MOLST.), in compliance with the Patient Self-Determination Act/Family Health Care Decisions Act.
• Issue Resolution & Communication
  Serves as in-house Administrator on Call, addressing non-clinical patient concerns, resolving complaints, coordinating with hospital departments, and feedback to patients.
• Documentation & Reporting
  Maintains comprehensive records of patient/family interactions, documents incidents and follow-ups, and provides reports to administration.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Committees
  Participates in & coordinates interdisciplinary patient care teams and hospital committees, including Ethics, Safety, Nursing, and Child Protection, EOL. 
• Emergency Department Responsibilities
  Supports patients/families in Emergency Department waiting areas, assists with patient admissions/transfers, expedites lab/X-ray processes
• Access & Support Services
  Assists in referring patients to appropriate services when alternatives are unavailable, coordinates interpreter services, hospital notary, organ donor
• Policy Compliance & Outreach
  Ensures adherence to department policies, performance improvement standards, and regulatory requirements; participates in community outreach, education programs, and staff in-services on patient rights and healthcare directives.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, social sciences or nursing preferred.
• Minimum 5 years exp in hospital field or suitable combination education/experience preferred.
• Knowledge of patient care and patient problems
• Good interpersonal and English verbal/written communication skills; Bilingual preferred.