Patient Observer

Are you looking to make a difference by improving the health of our patients? Here you will find an innovative culture that is patient-focused and dedicated to making a difference. We are committed to helping the population we serve, and our communities, achieve optimum health and enjoy the best quality of life possible.

Patient Observers are utilized as part of the hospital’s effort to promote patient safety and reduce patient injuries. Patient Observers are employees trained to provide direct observation, frequent re-orientation, verbal reminders and companionship to patients with identified risks to safety and to alert nursing personnel of patient needs. This program supplements nursing strategies for alternatives to the use of restraints, the prevention of patient injuries.

• Maintains a direct line of sight with patient at all times, including while family and/or visitors are in the room and during any toileting or hygiene activities (unless licensed clinical staff has noted otherwise)
• Accompanies patient and ensures patient safety during transportation, testing, and procedures occurring away from the patient's normal environment
• Establishes a safe, risk-free patient environment by utilizing knowledge of fall prevention protocols, infection control measures, and self-harm prevention
• Notifies clinical staff of any safety concerns, including but not limited to potential means of self-harm, falls, and/or patient interference with medical devices
• Monitors the patient’s verbalizations and immediately informs the nurse if the patient expresses any idea or intention to hurt self or others
• Floats to different patient care units
• Creates clear, accurate documentation on patient status and activity during the shift
• Participates as an active member of the health care team and positively promotes the rest of the team to patients/families/caregivers and other colleagues
• Requests for assistance are promptly referred to nursing staff via the call light/intercom system
• Ensures that the patient’s dignity is preserved. Ensures patient is covered, curtains, door adjusted to provide privacy from those in hallway
• Functions effectively in different, stressful situations Performs similar or related duties as requested

Education:

• High School or GED, preferred

Experience:

• Previous experience caring for patients in a similar setting, preferred

Licensure/Certifications:

• BLS Certification, preferred

Skills:

• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Interacting with People
• Responsibility
• Reading/Writing/Comprehension

Physical Requirements:

• Light Work - Exerting up to 20 lbs of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work
• Occasional crouching, typing/clerical/dexterity, grasping, kneeling, lifting, pulling, reaching, repetitive motion, stooping, walking
• Frequent seeing/monitor/computer use, standing, talking
• Constant hearing, pushing, visual acuity (color, depth, perception), fit testing

Hazards:

• Occasional bodily fluids/bloodborne exposure, chemical, mechanical

Working Conditions:

• Occasional extreme temperatures, noise, fumes, mists, odors

Travel:

• Occasional Travel - The job may require travel from time- to-time, but not on a regular basis