Patient Safety Observer, Patient Sitters-Suicide, Full Time, Flex Shift, with Rotating Weekends Job

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The patient Safety Observer role is required to always maintain an unobstructed view of the patient. This role monitors the safety of the patient and reports any changes to the Registered Nurse overseeing the patient's care.

Key Responsibilities:

• The Patient Safety Observer maintains constant observation of the patient, facing the patient, and does not leave the patient unattended (including when visitors are present) and does not leave without RN approval and relief.
• Receives, reviews, and discusses the RN's report by detailing any special needs/monitoring.
• Immediately reports any observed changes in the patient's behavior or condition to the RN via the intercom system or other available mediums. Informs the RN of any patient complaints related to their health.
• Calls the appropriate code if needed.
• Performs patient assistance activities as related to ambulation and mobilization safely, including, but not limited to, assisting patients out of and returning to their bed/chair primarily for bathroom needs (if monitoring only one patient).
• Regularly conducts room safety sweeps per policy and ensures that potentially hazardous items are removed whenever possible.
• Monitors applied restraints to ensure patient safety and comfort.
• Assists in dressing and undressing the patient as needed and securing clothes and belongings as per company standard to ensure the patient's safety.
• Maintains a professional and safe appearance, to include not wearing any items around the neck that could be used as a weapon.
• Documents all observations on the patient safety sheet as instructed and within designated timeframes.
• Always ensures patient confidentiality, and refrains from discussing patient information with anyone other than the assigned nurse and physician.
• Always communicates in a professional and empathetic manner with the patient, by listening and acknowledging patient's complaints and refers such complaints to the RN. Any complaints that cannot be resolved at the point of care shall be referred to the patient advocate. Refrains from conversations with patients regarding their medical condition or plan of care.
• Solely dedicated to observing the patient throughout the shift. The Patient Safety Observer shall not bring personal items such as phones, food, books, or magazines into the room.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Education: High School graduate of equivalent
• Experience: Minimum of 0-1 years, Preferred 2-4 years
• Computer Skills: Proficient
• License/Certification: American Red Cross or American Heart Association certification. Certification training will be provided during orientation if not already achieved. Completion of Patient Safety Observer Training within first week of hire. Successful completion of the Care of the Aggressive Patient Training upon hire provided by the facility.

Language Skills:

• People skills such as compassion, empathy, and
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and
• Able to walk for extended periods.
• Capability to maintain and respect confidentiality and HIPAA guidelines
• Strong critical thinking and interpersonal skills relevant to patient care to safely and efficiently care for patients and interact with them.

Must clear background and drug test required.