Patient Safety Companion - Emergency Department - PRN

Patient Observer

Provides constant observation and support to patients who require close monitoring due to medical or behavioral reasons. Presence helps ensure the safety and well-being of these patients while they receive care. This role demands attentiveness, compassion, and a commitment to maintaining a secure and comfortable environment for the patient. Extends courtesy and support to patient's family/visitor.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

• Provides continuous observation of assigned patients to maintain patient safety. Obtains verbal report from the patient's nurse to include information regarding the patient's identified care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, as well as any special consideration (NPO, bed alarms, etc.).
• Maintains a calm composure and a soft tone when communicating with the patient.
• Verbally redirects the patient from engaging in risky and harmful behaviors.
• Summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance through appropriate communication tools.
• Monitors and attempts to prevent patient from self-harm, falls, eloping, smoking, dislodging IV lines, O2 apparatus, catheters, and/or drains and dressings through calling for assist (call bed, personal alarm) and attempting to redirect with communication.
• Requests immediate assistance for noted changes in patient condition and/or disruptive behaviors.
• Initiates C.P.R. procedure as needed to ensure patient care and safety.
• Maintains infection control practices (standard precautions and isolation precautions).
• Maintains appearance and order of patient rooms and work areas.
• Engages the patient in diversional activities such as coloring and games as appropriate.
• Demonstrates respect for individuals, customer service, teamwork and collaboration:
• Models excellence in customer service behaviors. Identifies and acts on opportunities to respond to customer requirements. Acts to prevent potential customer complaints.
• Initiates and reports service recovery steps taken in response to customer concerns.
• Demonstrates the ability to monitor patients according to the age, culture, ethnicity, spirituality, and individual diagnostic needs of the persons served.
• Uses hand-off communication to convey appropriate clinical/patient information.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information (HIPAA).
• Provides an inclusive environment for peers, orientees and students.
• Voices difference in opinion professionally through appropriate channels.
• Assists in ensuring patient safety.
• Assumes responsibility for attending required education and training.

High School diploma or equivalent (GED) required. CPR certification required or obtained within 60 days of hire. Previous healthcare experience preferred. Knowledge of proper body mechanics preferred.

Demonstrates maturity, tact, judgment and sensitivity to people. Ability to function independently with minimal supervision. Knowledgeable and supportive of patient and organizational confidentiality and related hospital policies. Ability to read and write required. Ability to learn and use computer systems. Utilizes effective communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills. Ability to respond to patient behavioral changes. Ability to organize work priorities, perform several duties simultaneously and function in stressful situations. Ability to work with others as a member of the healthcare team. Ability to complete documentation/forms related to observation of the patient. Demonstrates strong verbal communication skills and excellent organizational skills.

University of Maryland Medical Center