Patient Safety Technician Registry

Patient Safety Technician

The Patient Safety Tech supports the nursing staff by providing direct observation of patients on a continuous basis while on duty. This observation can be virtual or direct in-patient room. He/she is accountable to the registered nurse/charge nurse responsible for coordinating unit activities and will receive assignment from the Staffing office. The Patient Safety Tech provides excellent services to all customers and communicates effectively with team members.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Essential Duties And Responsibilities (In Person Safety Technician) Other duties may be assigned.

• Receive report on a patient from the charge nurse and receives the PST Assignment form, PST flow sheet form and patient handoff form.
• Introduce self to patient and tactfully explains responsibilities.
• Remain in the patient room unless given approval to leave by RN.
• Patient should be kept busy during the shift through interactions including reading, talking, games (cards, simple board games, nighttime activities may include reading, comforting, reassuring).
• Observe the patient and notify the RN immediately in the event of an emergency or sudden change in the patients condition, mood, or behavior.
• View of patient must be unobstructed. PST is to place a chair between door and patient and remain physically close without disrupting the patient's physical space. Maintain observation during restroom use and trips for testing procedures.
• Identify barriers to communication with patients and collaborates with nurse to improve communication if possible.
• Monitor the environment for safety, be sure safety alarms are on and that the room is free from unsafe items like sharp objects, cords, glass, metal cans, etc. and that there is no clutter or things that someone could trip on. Observe and report changes in patient condition to nurse immediately.
• Ambulate and assist the patient in and out of bed/chair with approval from the charge nurse/RN.
• Set up food trays for meals for patients who can self-feed.
• Always remain alert. Cell phone use, texting and heavy reading are prohibited.
• Document on PST Flow Sheet hourly and submit all forms to the RN at the end of the shift.
• Complete unit evaluation form and the break form and submit to the staffing office in person or by faxing it at the end of the shift.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities (Virtual Patient Safety Technician)

• PST will be performed continuously by direct visualization, of up to 12 patients, via a portable monitoring device with audio and visual monitoring.
• Navigate computer system and utilize bidirectional communication device to communicate with patients clearly and effectively.
• Verbally redirect patients to support safety needs.
• Communicate patient needs quickly and effectively to onsite care staff when elicited from patient.
• Identify barriers to communication with patients and collaborate with nurses to improve communication if possible.
• Provide electronic privacy curtain when instructed by clinical staff.
• Observe patient and notify the RN immediately in the event of an emergency or sudden change in the patient's condition, mood, or behavior.
• Receives hand off from previous PST at shift start.
• Know process for escalating patient needs to emergency line.
• Always remain alert and focus on patient monitoring screens. No cell phone use or reading allowed.
• Never leaves patient monitoring screen unattended.
• Document hourly on computerized flow sheet.
• Notifies the nursing staff, Clinical Engineering, Director/Manager or Administrative Coordinator of system malfunction. Maintain a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.

Education, Experience And Qualifications

Minimum of High School or GED required. Basic computer knowledge: ability to operate a PC, create/save/print documents, input data. Demonstrate an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful conditions. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of monitors utilized. Must be able to navigate between screens quickly and efficiently.