Patient Safety Companion

Patient Observer

The University of Maryland Medical System is a 14-hospital system with academic, community and specialty medical services reaching every part of Maryland and beyond. UMMS is a national and regional referral center for trauma, cancer care, Neurocare, cardiac care, women's and children's health and physical rehabilitation. UMMS is the fourth largest private employer in the Baltimore metropolitan area and one of the top 20 employers in the state of Maryland. No organization will give you the clinical variety, the support, or the opportunities for professional growth that you'll enjoy as a member of our team.

Job Description

General Summary

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.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

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.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation: Pay Range: $17.00-$22.47

Like many employers, UMMS is being targeted by cybercriminals impersonating our recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. We will never ask for banking details, personal identification, or payment via email or text. If you suspect fraud, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Work Experience

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Current CPR certification required.
• Previous healthcare experience preferred.
• Knowledge of proper body mechanics preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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