MH Patient Safety Observer

Summary

In each of our hospitals the Patient Safety Observer role exists to maintain a safe environment for the patients to whom the Observer is assigned to constantly monitor without distraction.

Patients requiring observers are those who are considered at high-risk either to themselves or others.

The Patient Safety Observer is required to maintain an unobstructed view of the patient at all times this includes when in the bathroom and accompanying the patient to any testing.

The Patient Safety Observer monitors the safety of the patient and reports any changes to the Registered Nurse overseeing the patient's care.

Responsibilities

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 detailing any special needs/monitoring.
• Immediately reports any observed changes in the patient's behavior or condition to the duty nurse 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.
• Communicates in a professional and empathetic manner with the patient at all times 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. Greets the patient and introduces themselves at the beginning of each assignment.
• 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.
• Maintains infection prevention standards during all activities.
• Maintains personal and professional boundaries at all times including refraining from sharing personal information.
  
  

Other Information

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• No experience necessary as on-the-job training is provided however previous experience in a hospital or nursing home setting a plus.
• Good oral and written communication skills in the English language. Must be able to accurately document pertinent information either by writing or typing.
• Strong critical thinking and interpersonal skills relevant to patient care to safely and efficiently care for patients and interact with them.
  
  

Education

• High-school graduate or equivalent
• American Red Cross or American Heart BLS certification required. Certification training will be provided during orientation if not already achieved.
• Completion of the Patient Safety Observer training within the first week of hire and prior to any patient observation assignments.
• Successful completion of 'Care of the Aggressive Patient' training provided by the facility upon hire.
• Completion of unit orientation for each unit to which they will be assigned.
  
  

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the main duties and responsibilities of this job.

The employee may perform or have exposure to the following 75% or more:

• Talking
• Hearing
• Standing
• Visual Acuity
• Walking
• Lifting up to 350lbs
• Sedentary work
• Light work
• Reaching
• Tasks involve exposure to blood bodily fluids or tissue
  
  

Brown University Health is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age ethnicity sexual orientation ancestry genetics gender identity or expression disability protected veteran or marital status. Brown University Health is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Location: Morton Hospital USA:MA:Taunton

Work Type: Part Time

Shift: Shift 1

Union: SEIUM