What are the responsibilities and job description for the Constant Observer; PRN; Varied Hours & Shifts position at Bothwell Regional Health Center?
Overview
The Constant Observer works under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to assist with patient monitoring as directed by the RN. The Constant Observer’s primary responsibility is to protect the patient from self-harm and assure safety needs by staying at the bedside. The Constant Observer functions include comfort and safety measures, patient monitoring, & communicating patient status to nursing staff. The Constant Observer is expected to maintain a clean, calm, therapeutic environment in order to promote patient safety. The Constant Observer is expected to care for all patient populations from infancy to geriatric.
Responsibilities
The patient can require multiples of intervention from the Constant Observer. The Constant Observer observes the patient at all times. They can record written observations and interventions on the constant observer sheet.
1) Keep the patient safe by observing the patient at all times.
2) Record patient oral intake on a paper flow sheet, and report to nursing staff so it can be entered into the medical record.
3) If the patient leaves the floor for treatments or diagnostic testing, accompany the patient for the duration of the tests.
4) Activities of daily living will be provided by the bedside RN or CNA
5) Fosters and promotes teamwork within department and the organization as a whole.
6) Ability to recognize when to activate emergency measures to intervene due to patient’s unsafe activity.
7) Works to resolve conflicts constructively.
8) Ability to interact with patient to increase patient engagement and redirect behavior.
9) Ability to display a positive, courteous, and friendly attitude toward all contacts.
10) Knowledge of safety measures used during the monitoring of patient care.
11) Ability to work and communicate effectively with patients, family members, visitors, and co-workers.
12) Ability to accurately document observation interventions in a timely manner on the written record.
13) Maintain confidentiality of patient condition and circumstances.
14) Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High School diploma or equivalent preferred
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) required within 3 months of hire
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention required within 6 months of hire
- None
