Patient Safety Associates

PSA's

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals rely on Patient Safety Associates (PSAs) to assist in providing continuous observation, activities of daily living (ADLs), and critical day-to-day care while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.

Essential Functions


  • Documents patient activities every 30 minutes and provides a report to the nurse in charge at the end of each shift
  • Assists nurse with the accurate measurement and reporting of fluid intake and output (1/0)
  • Accompanies patient to procedures and tests
  • Serves as a unit runner or patient transporter
  • Maintains patient safety and comfort while ensuring a therapeutic environment
  • Assists with ADLs, including bathing, feeding, toileting, hygiene, and oral care
  • Assists the nurse with linen changes and repositioning of patients
  • Delivers and picks up materials, supplies, and specimens as directed
  • Responds courteously and promptly to patient call bells and, if necessary, notifies the appropriate care team member
  • Complies with all hospital rules, regulations, and standards

PSA Training

All MHS PSAs complete a minimum of 40 hours of training to include:
  • Observation (1 :1, 2:1 cohorting, distance safety, and purposeful rounding).
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
  • Crisis Prevention and Intervention Institute (CPI) certification.
  • Universal precautions including isolation, hand hygiene, and personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • HIPAA
  • Bloodborne pathogens
  • Patient Safety Associate class
  • Basic medical terminology
  • Customer service training
  • Can be cross-trained as Patient Transporter or Ambassador
  • Annual competency assessment/review

Tele-Monitor (Sitter)

Tele-monitoring has become an option for monitoring "pre-qualified" patients who are at risk for falls or other behaviors. The advantage to Tele-monitoring is the ability to safely observe multiple patients at one time, while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for the patients at a reduced cost to the healthcare facility.

Essential Functions


  • Provides continuous observation and surveillance of assigned patients.
  • Documents patient activities every 30 minutes and provides a report to the nurse in charge at the end of each shift.
  • Performs as the first line of action with verbally redirecting patients from engaging in a risk behavior.
  • Understands and proficiently operates the use of the tele-monitor audiovisual equipment.
  • Complies with all hospital rules, regulations, and standards.

PSA Training

All MHS Tele-monitors complete a minimum of 40 hours of training to include:
  • Tele-monitor equipment proficiency.
  • Observation (1 :1, 2:1 cohorting, tele-monitoring, distance safety, and purposeful rounding).
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
  • Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification.
  • Universal precautions (isolation, hand hygiene, and personal protective equipment).
  • Customer service.
  • HIPAA.
  • Bloodborne pathogens.
  • Foley catheter care, perinea! care, and 1/0 measurements.
  • Basic medical terminology.
  • Annual competency assessment/review program.
  • Can be cross-trained as Patient Transporter or Ambassador.