PRN Patient Care Observer - Penn Presbyterian (evenings)

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

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Summary :

• The patient care observer works with and under the direct supervision of a registered nurse with whom s / he is teamed to provide for patient safety through observation and support.

Responsibilities :

Carries out PPMC fire and safety regulations.

Promotes infection control : o Performs proper hand hygiene, both before and after patient contact. Maintains universal precautions. o Carries out isolation procedures according to Infection Control Manual. Deals with blood and body fluids according to universal barrier precautions policy. o Reports needle stick injuries to charge nurse. o Reports exposure of communicable diseases and infections. o Demonstrates awareness of OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration regulations).

Maintains safe environment and protects patients from injury. o Performs 1 : 1 observation according to PPMC policy. - Accompanies patient when leaving the unit (i.e., to radiology). o Does not leave patient unless relieved by another staff member. o Places call bell within patient's reach. o Utilizes safety devices including bed rails, wheel locks on beds, wheelchairs and litters, and bed alarms. o Notifies RN if tubes / IV catheters become disconnected.

Reports defective equipment to charge nurse.

Awareness of Materials Safety Data Sheet.

Makes unoccupied bed

Data Collection, documentation, and handoff communication During report from RN, documents the following information on patient observation worksheet : o Patient Data. o Pertinent information related to plan of care. o Maintains accurate documentation according to PPMC policy. The name of the Charge Nurse / Patient Nurse, plan for Break Relief. Handoff to the nurse, activities performed for inclusion in the progress notes. Alerts nurse immediately regarding sounding of alarms on infusion pumps, ventilators, and telemetry.

Need for Rest and Mobility Prepares patient for restful night with P.M. care and assures uninterrupted sleep

anticipates need for short rest periods after ambulation and physical therapy. Assists patients out of bed and ambulates patients in room, to bathroom or corridor, as appropriate. Assist with patient transfers from bed to wheelchair or stretcher. If patient not independent assist nursing staff with patients mobility

using proper body mechanics.

Nutrition Prepares meal tray and patient for meal time. Assists with feeding patients that are not on swallowing precautions. Helps with Menu selections

Credentials :

Education or Equivalent Experience :

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.