Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides constant observation, supervision, and redirection of patients engaging in playtime on the clinical services units, or while practicing care beyond the bedside.
• Facilitates developmentally appropriate play, socialization opportunities, and diversional activities with patients.
• Assists patients in learning positive behaviors by utilizing trauma informed care best practices and reinforcing patient behavior plans when applicable.
• Works in a continuous state of alertness, observes monitoring equipment and notifies appropriate clinical staff (Nursing, RT, Medical Team) of alarms and safety concerns.
• Assists in getting patients ready for, and transporting patients to inter and intra-departmental activities, as needed.
• Communicates effectively with patients, families and/or caregiver(s), physicians, peers, and other members of the health care team to maximize successful patient outcomes.
• Protects the patient from injury by removing items or risk from the patient or by asking for assistance with this from appropriate direct patient care staff (Nursing, Therapy, RT, Child Life).
• Forwards any requests that the patient has to the patient’s assigned nurse or nurse assistant.
• When a patient has family or other visitors present, PPA can assist with visual supervision while respecting patient and family/visitor interactions.
• Utilizes appropriate chain-of-command to follow through on concerns or problems that may compromise patient care or patient, family and/or caregiver satisfaction.

Other Responsibilities

• Ensure all patient spaces, equipment, toys, and supplies utilized are cleaned, maintained, and organized according to current Infection Prevention Standards.
• All other duties as assigned by the Patient Experience Manager.

Qualifications