Patient Observer

VPNE•Lebanon, NH

About The Position

The Patient Observer works collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team under the direction of a Registered Nurse. The role participates in nursing interventions that help patients learn adaptive coping strategies and provides continuous one-to-one observation to help prevent patients from harming themselves. The Patient Observer helps maintain a therapeutic environment and delivers individualized care that supports patient safety, dignity, and autonomy. The position also involves monitoring and reporting changes in patients’ physical or psychiatric conditions, supporting patient activities and social interactions, assisting with testing and consultations, and participating in teaching behavioral techniques. The Patient Observer completes required documentation and competency evaluations, follows care plans and applicable policies, and demonstrates accountability, professional interpersonal skills, and reliable crisis-management skills.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of prior experience, preferably in psychiatry or a related field.
Experience working with specialized populations, such as emotionally disturbed adults, adolescents, children, and families.

Responsibilities

Assist nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic milieu and safe environment for patient care and treatment.
Provide continuous one-to-one observation with visualization at all times to ensure patient safety.
Notify the patient's nurse of changes in the patient's physical or psychiatric condition.
Remain with the patient unless relieved for breaks, meals, or at the end of the shift, including when the patient is sleeping, restrained, or under the influence of medication.
Initiate individual and group activities and social interactions consistent with the nursing plan of care.
Promote environmental and emotional safety through consistent limit setting, physical holding and restraining, and monitoring visitors' activities and interactions under the Registered Nurse's direction.
Maintain a clean and safe patient environment.
Provide individualized patient care under the Registered Nurse's direction while preserving patient safety and dignity.
Follow the patient care plan while preserving patients' safety, dignity, and autonomy.
Observe and report behavioral responses to interventions.
Collaborate with the primary nurse to assist patients with testing and consultations in other areas of the hospital.
Participate with the nurse in teaching behavioral techniques, including relaxation and coping skills.
Complete required documentation, including 15-minute observation forms and Environmental Safety Checks sheets on non-behavioral health units.
Complete the annual sitter competency evaluation.
Complete non-therapeutic functions under the direction of an MD, PA, APRN, or RN.
Demonstrate accountability and responsibility for actions, competency in managing patient problems such as aggression, and reliable crisis-management skills in new or unexpected situations.
Demonstrate professional interpersonal skills with patients and coworkers.
Relocate and rotate to meet patient-care needs.
Prioritize patient care and complete assignments in a timely manner.
Comply with legal and regulatory codes and psychiatric policies, and use appropriate resources to clarify policies and procedures.
Maintain all mandatory continuing education classes.
Participate in unit-based activities that positively affect unit practice, such as in-service presentations or policy-development task forces.
Identify areas for performance improvement through ongoing communication with a supervisor, accept constructive criticism, and implement corrective action.
Meet personnel policy guidelines for punctuality.