VISUAL OBSERVATION STAFF (VOS) - SECONDARY INTERNAL POSITION INTERNAL

DEPARTMENT: VOS Float Pool

REPORTS TO: ACU/CCU Director

JOB SUMMARY

Visually observe a patient who has been determined to have a psychosocial/physical safety or mental health status care need for constant observation. Alert nursing staff to any change in status or behavior that would indicate a need for a nursing assessment or intervention. Documents observations on flow sheet at regularly determined intervals. Assists with simple patient care needs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

High school graduate or equivalent preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Medical background or training preferred.

SKILLS

Ability to remain calm in a stressful situation. Be alert and able to observe for long periods without being distracted. Possess excellent communication and listening skills. Must successfully complete required education for Visual Observation Staff to include behavior managements, listening, and interventions, prior to functioning as VOS.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BLS (Heartsaver)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Sits or stands while visually observing 1-2 patients for constant periods until relieved by assigned staff member.
• Interacts with patients in a calm and compassionate fashion.
• May be assigned patients in any area of the hospital and may be moved at any time throughout the shift.
• Reports any physical or behavioral changes promptly to staff nurse responsible for the care of the patient.
• Interacts verbally and/or listens to patients in a compassionate and respectful manner.
• Charts observations on a flow sheet.
• Alerts nursing staff to patient requests, and to note patient needs.
• Is aware of individual patient capabilities for self-harm, harm to others, or escape risks and interacts to keep patient safe by appropriate measures. Ensures that environment is safe, and that no dangerous items are brought in by visitors/staff.
• Adheres to MD orders regarding restrictions to visitors and items the patient is allowed to have in the room. If ordered, ensures that visitors leave all their personal items, including outerwear, outside of the room.
• In the event of an emergency, push the “staff assist” at the head of the patient’s bed or pull the cord located in the patient’s bathroom.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
• Is aware of HIPPA requirements and patient privacy needs for hygiene, and steps out of room to allow nursing staff to perform cares (as appropriate).
• Keeps age specific differences in mind when observing or interacting with patients.
• Before leaving, ensures that next shift arrives, and provides a brief report of patient needs and concerns, utilizing hand off sheet.
• Attends in-services, VOS staff meetings and other hospital meetings.
• Maintains positive relationships with co-workers, other departments, MD’s, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including:
  • Replace nasal cannula or simple facemask. VOS staff should not adjust oxygen flow.
  • Set up meal trays, and assist patient in obtaining food. VOS are not to directly feed patient.
  • Use basic bed controls, i.e. elevate HOB, and set bed alarm. Know restrictions for patient.
  • Keep environment safe, clean and tidy.
  • Take steps to protect IV placement.
  • May ambulate per physician orders and guidance from assigned nurse or CNA. High fall risk patients may not be ambulated without the presence of a CNA or nurse.
  • Set patient up with supplies for basic hygiene such as washing face or brushing teeth.
• May be assigned to all other areas within the organization as needed including Acute Care, Critical Care, Long Term Care, Emergency Department and Hospice. Employee will clock into the department in which they are assigned for the VOS duties.