PATIENT OBSERVATION (FULL AND PART TIME)
About The Position
Provides visual and audible observation of assigned patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) and unit manager. The position involves continuously monitoring patient condition and behavior, remaining at the bedside unless properly relieved, documenting observations, redirecting patients from at-risk behaviors, and promptly escalating medical distress, unusual behavior, or safety concerns to nursing staff. The Patient Observer helps maintain a safe, orderly patient environment; assists with calming or reorienting patients; accompanies patients to diagnostic testing; and may assist with meal ordering and setup, basic positioning, and wheelchair rides or ambulation when the patient is stable and nursing staff have determined it is safe. The role also includes shift handoffs, responding to emergencies, following department and hospital procedures, maintaining confidentiality, completing education programs, and assisting other associates as needed. No prior experience is required and training is offered, although one to two years of previous experience is preferred.
Requirements
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Current CPR AED or Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider (BLS-HCP) certification within 30 days of hire, if required at the facility.
- Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods.
- Ability to bend, stoop, reach upward, and lift up to 50 pounds.
- No prior experience is required; willing to train.
Nice To Haves
- One to two years of previous experience is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Continuously visually and audibly monitor the assigned patient's condition and behavior.
- Complete observation reports at established intervals.
- Remain at the assigned patient's bedside unless relieved by an appropriate staff member.
- Compassionately respond to patient needs and interact supportively with staff, patients, visitors, and colleagues.
- Verbally redirect patients from at-risk behaviors and assist with calming or reorienting patients who are agitated or confused.
- Seek help promptly and escalate medical distress, threats, unusual behavior, verbalizations, and potentially dangerous conversations to assigned medical professionals or nursing staff.
- Help identify and report patient safety issues, maintain a safe patient environment, remove visible hazards, and report hazards to the charge nurse.
- Help keep the patient's room safe and orderly.
- Accompany patients when diagnostic testing is required.
- Participate in handoffs of pertinent patient information and behavior at the start and end of shift assignments.
- Arrange meal-break coverage with the nurse and inform the nurse before leaving the patient for any reason.
- Assist patients with ordering dietary trays and setting up meal trays.
- Assist with basic patient positioning and wheelchair rides or ambulation when the patient is stable and the assigned staff nurse has determined the patient's gait is safe.
- Respond rapidly and thoroughly to emergencies and special needs.
- Follow supervisors' and hospital staff's direction and demonstrate knowledge of department policies and procedures.
- Follow attendance, break, behavior, dress, personal hygiene, safety, confidentiality, and other regulatory requirements.
- Participate in department and hospital education programs.
- Assist other associates as necessary and perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Retirement Plan
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Voluntary benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
- Medical insurance (full-time positions)
- Dental insurance (full-time positions)
- Vision insurance (full-time positions)
- Life Insurance/AD (full-time positions)
- Disability insurance (full-time positions)
- Commuter Benefits (full-time positions)
- Employee Assistance Program (full-time positions)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (full-time positions)
- May be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits under applicable federal, state, and local laws
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
