Patient Care Observer

Tower Health•West Reading, PA

About The Position

The Patient Care Observer provides nursing care to patients under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse (RN). The role provides constant observation and timely intervention to support patient safety, responds to changes in rules, tasks, and assignments, and helps maintain a safe, calm environment. The observer redirects and orients patients as needed, uses appropriate de-escalation techniques, communicates non-aggressively, and remains close enough to intervene when necessary. The position assists with basic patient care, including ambulation, transfers, meals and feeding, and accompanying patients to and from procedural areas, while preserving patient privacy and dignity. The observer participates in hand-offs, shares and clarifies important information, completes required Constant Observation forms, and promptly communicates concerns or changes to the directing RN. The role also supports positive patient outcomes and effective working relationships with patients, families, visitors, coworkers, and other departments. When no Patient Care Observer assignments are available, 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 promote patient safety.
Provide redirection and orientation to patients as needed and use appropriate de-escalation techniques.
Maintain a calm, peaceful environment and communicate in a non-threatening, non-aggressive manner.
Remain in close proximity to assigned patients to enable timely intervention.
Recognize the presenting clinical scenario and respond appropriately.
Notify the RN of patient concerns, significant problems, and changes.
Under RN direction and supervision, assist with basic patient care, 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, and receive or provide important information to team members.
Ask questions to clarify information and accurately complete appropriate Constant Observation forms.
Provide service to patients, families, visitors, and members of the interdisciplinary team.
Maintain working relationships with other departments and collaborate to meet patient and family needs.
Work with assigned patients under RN direction to support positive patient outcomes.
Use effective communication and appropriate communication channels, and work with coworkers to identify needs and improve service.
Establish and maintain trusting, therapeutic relationships with patients and families that respect their diverse interests and requirements.
Demonstrate understanding of responsibilities and practice issues within the Patient Care Observer scope.
Assist with Helping Hands duties and rounding if there are no Patient Care Observer assignments.