Patient Observer - 24hrs/Day Shift

The Patient Care Observer is responsible for remaining in constant attendance with an assigned patient to help maintain the patient's safety under the direction of the unit's Shift Charge Nurse.
This position is part of the 1199SEIU Bargaining Unit at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.
This position reports to the Respiratory Therapy Manager and operates within established organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred

• Ability to communicate with children and /or adults required

• AVADE certification required within 6 months

• Experience working in a clinical environment preferred

• American Heart Association BLS certification required within 30 days of hire

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Remain in constant attendance with assigned high risk patient until relieved by assigned member of the healthcare team.

• Maintain safety for patients with suicidal ideation.

• Obtain assistance from healthcare team with any restrained patient who needs attention or assistance.

• Immediately report any observed change in the patient's condition to the patient's nurse.

• Perform the following tasks as necessary to maintain patient comfort and safety:

  • Falls prevention

  • Assist to place patient's extremities back into bed as needed

  • Remove clutter or items within patient's reach

  • Offer assistance with toileting

  • Assist patient with ambulation (uses assistive devices as appropriate)

  • Offer food and fluids

  • Assist with turning and repositioning while maintaining patient privacy and dignity

  • Recognize when/how to call for help

  • Utilize computer software for virtual monitor system to help keep patients safe from injury

• Accompany transport personnel with the patient if transport is necessary.

• Interact with patient as directed by the patient's nurse. Activities may include reading or talking to the patient or playing cards.

• Document patient status and interactions on required form per hospital policy.

• Perform the following responsibilities with assistance from a trained member of the healthcare team:

  • Application and ongoing assessment of restraints (if restraints are in use, PCO will notify healthcare team if restraint become too loose or too tight or if patient requires further help)

  • Use of lift equipment

  • Feeding patient with high risk of aspiration

• Maintain established hospital and departmental policies and procedures, objectives, confidentiality, quality improvement program, safety, compliance, infection control, and environmental standards.

• Maintain professional growth and development through attendance at seminars, workshops, conferences or in-services, professional affiliations, or journals to stay abreast of current trends in field of expertise.

• Meet annual competency and retraining requirements. Ensure staff meets annual competency and retraining requirements.

• Attend meetings as required.

• Perform other functions/duties as requested.

Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.