Patient Care Observer

Tower Health•West Reading, PA

About The Position

The Patient Care Observer provides nursing care to patients under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse, responding to changing rules, tasks, and assignments to meet job needs. The role provides constant observation and intervenes for patient safety, while maintaining a safe, calm, and peaceful environment. The observer provides redirection and orientation, uses appropriate de-escalation techniques, communicates in a non-threatening manner, and remains close enough to patients to intervene as needed. Under RN direction and supervision, the observer assists with basic patient care, including ambulation, transfers, meals and feeding, and accompanying patients to and from procedural areas. The observer maintains patient privacy and dignity, participates in hand-offs, accurately completes Constant Observation forms, and promptly communicates concerns, significant problems, or changes to the RN. The role also supports positive patient outcomes, builds trusting therapeutic relationships with patients and families, and works collaboratively with other departments and team members. When there are no Patient Care Observer assignments, the employee may be asked to assist with Helping Hands duties and rounding.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or GED; experience may be considered in lieu of education.
BLS certification.
Crisis Intervention Course.
Excellent communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Direct patient care experience is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide constant observation and intervene as needed to maintain patient safety.
Provide patient redirection and orientation and use appropriate de-escalation techniques.
Maintain a calm and peaceful environment and communicate in a non-threatening, non-aggressive manner.
Remain in close proximity to assigned patients to enable timely intervention.
Recognize the clinical situation and respond appropriately.
Notify the RN of patient concerns, significant problems, or changes.
Assist with basic patient care under RN direction, including ambulation, transfers, meals and feeding, and accompanying patients to and from procedural areas.
Maintain patient privacy and dignity.
Participate in hand-offs when arriving at or leaving a patient’s bedside, exchanging important information and asking questions to clarify it.
Accurately and thoroughly complete appropriate Constant Observation forms.
Work with assigned patients under RN direction to support positive patient outcomes.
Maintain effective working relationships with departments, co-workers, patients, families, visitors, and interdisciplinary team members.
Establish and maintain trusting, therapeutic relationships that respect patients’ and families’ diverse interests and requirements.
Understand and take responsibility for practice issues within the Patient Care Observer’s scope.
Assist with Helping Hands duties and rounding when there are no Patient Care Observer assignments.