PATIENT CARE ATTENDANT, CGP A

The Patient Care Attendant assists registered nursing staff in the provision of patient care based on the overall care requirements and circumstances, and assists in performing a variety of other support duties on the Patient Care Unit at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Partnered with and reporting to a specific assigned registered nursing staff:
1. Assist with patients' activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, adequate nutrition, exercise, social activity and personal and environmental safety by:

assisting patient with self-care to include feeding, toileting, bathing, mouth care, clothing selection, personal laundry and to ensure optimal level of personal hygiene and grooming;
assisting with care of patients who are in mechanical restraints, under the direct supervision of registered staff
observing and reporting any changes in patients' skin condition, elimination and self-care abilities;
assisting with positioning, transferring and active and range of motion exercises to ensure proper body alignment and mobility;
assisting clinical staff with activities to enhance patients' participation and socialization;
engaging in supportive communication with patients, as well as reporting and recording any changes in verbal or physical behaviours to promote patient safety and physical well being/
assisting with the application of safety, physical and mechanical restraint of patients under the direct supervision of registered nursing staff
responding to emergency codes;
assisting with patient purchases and management of funds as required;
documenting their observations, interactions, approaches and patient responses in the clinical record and flow sheets as required; and
adhering to Ontario Shores' policies and procedures to promote optimum personal and environmental safety.

2. Function as a member of the multidisciplinary team by:

participating at shift reports, team/unit meetings, conferences and kardexes as requested to ensure a consistent approach to patient care;
referring inquiries from families and community agencies to clinical staff as required; and
maintaining confidentiality in accordance with the Mental Health Act and Ontario Shores' policies.

3. Provide escort services and maintain routine observation of the patients by:

providing escort services to patients for activities/appointments within Ontario Shores;
accompanying registered staff in providing escort services to patients for activities/appointments outside Ontario Shores;
accompanying patients to activities/appointments where the treatment team has determined and documented that a registered staff is not required;
accompanying patients in personal safety restraints where the treatment team has determined and documented that a registered staff is not required;
assisting in the implementation of security measures; and
conducting hourly rounds and completing PCU Census and Hourly Rounds Records.

4. Assist clinical staff with general operations of patient care areas by:

answering the telephone and relieving the PCU Clerk as to ensure clerical functions are achieved through assigned shift;
recording and delivering messages as assigned to ensure appropriate communication is maintained;
delivering items and picking up supplies as assigned to ensure PCU requirements are maintained;
making and carbolizing beds, sorting and storing linen and other supplies;
assisting in the PCU kitchen with getting snacks or meal ready;
completing PCU rounds to note malfunctioning equipment, low levels of supplies and maintenance needs; and
ensuring equipment and supplies are returned to appropriate places to ensure a safe PCU environment.
Responsible to recognize and report patient, staff, and environment safety issues, identify and implement preventative and corrective actions, within the scope of this role.

5. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Required and Preferred

STAFFING & LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Personal Support Worker Certificate and two years experience in a health care setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Current certification in CPR and First Aid.

KNOWLEDGE

Job requires:

knowledge of basic patient care skills and techniques, which may be acquired through health-related training and experience;
knowledge of office procedures to answer and redirect phone calls and take messages and to provide relief to others;
knowledge of relevant legislation and related hospital policies and procedures; and
knowledge of hospital security and safety procedures to respond to emergency codes.

SKILLS

Job requires:

ability to work effectively and respectfully with the mentally ill;
ability to assist nursing staff in providing personal care to patients;
ability to observe and report changes in patients' condition and behaviour;
ability to assist with the application of appropriate restraints;
ability to maintain a safe, secure environment by performing security checks of the physical environment and monitoring patient and visitor activities;
ability to maintain productive relationships with patients and coworkers;
ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team;
ability to communicate verbally with patients and to record basic information pertaining to the patient;
ability to perform physical demands of position;
ability to maintain regular attendance.

FREEDOM OF ACTION

Job requires:

working under the supervision of the nursing staff and in accordance with well defined practices and procedures, to carry out basic care tasks, to assist with security and safety work and clerical/maintenance activities
interacting with patients on an individual basis, and monitoring and reporting on activities and situations in the unit which are relevant to the care of the patients and the maintenance of a safe environment
referring situations which are not covered by established procedures to supervisor or Team Leader.
Work is reviewed for completion against given instructions and established procedures for carrying out various tasks.

Closing Date

3/24/2023

Ontario Shores is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all of our patients, staff, and community, and as a result, has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy in accordance to the Government of Ontario's directive around mandatory vaccination policies. All new hires must be fully vaccinated (two weeks post second dose) prior to starting employment with Ontario Shores (note: those seeking a medical exemption or an exemption related to a Human Rights Code Ground must provide documentation for approval).

We are dedicated to promoting the safety and well-being of patients, employees, and visitors by raising awareness of the harmful impact of tobacco use and eliminating second-hand smoke exposure and triggers. Tobacco, cannabis, and the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) are not to be used or visible on Ontario Shores property, including parking lots and walking paths. As such, Ontario Shores is a Tobacco-Free Organization

Personal information you provide to Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is collected pursuant to the Public Hospitals Act R.S.O 1990, c. P.40. It will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility for employment. At all times it will be treated in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you have questions about the collection of your personal information, contact the Leader, Privacy & Access at 700 Gordon St. Whitby, ON L1N 5S9; 905-430-4055 ext. 6712 or refer to the Privacy & Access pages on the Ontario Shores website. Upon request, individual accommodation can be provided to applicants who meet the required qualifications outlined in the job descriptions, and have been invited for an interview. For questions and concerns, please contact Human Resources at 905.430.4055 ext. 6191.

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Ontario Shores is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and encourage applications from all qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. Ontario Shores is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities as part of our hiring process. If you have special requirements, please advise us during the recruitment process.