Patient Observer

VPNE•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Patient Observer works collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team and under the direction of a Registered Nurse. The role participates in nursing interventions that help patients learn adaptive coping strategies and provides one-to-one observation to help prevent patients from harming themselves. The Patient Observer assists nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic environment and provides individualized care that protects patient safety, dignity, and autonomy. The role also supports patient activities and social interactions, observes and reports behavioral responses and changes in condition, helps patients attend testing and consultations, and participates in teaching relaxation and coping skills alongside nursing staff. The Patient Observer completes required observation and safety documentation, annual competency evaluation, and mandatory continuing education. The position requires accountability, sound crisis management, professional communication, timely completion of assignments, and compliance with applicable policies and regulations. VPNE describes itself as a family-owned, rapidly growing company headquartered in the Greater Boston Area that works with hospitals and promotes growth from within.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Proficient verbal and written English.
At least two years of prior experience in psychiatry or a related field is preferred, working with specialized populations such as emotionally disturbed adults, adolescents, or children and families.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in psychiatry or a related field, preferably working with emotionally disturbed adults, adolescents, or children and families.

Responsibilities

Assist nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic milieu and a safe environment for patient care and treatment.
Provide one-to-one observation with continuous visualization to ensure patient safety.
Notify the patient's nurse of changes in the patient's physical or psychiatric condition.
Remain with the patient at all times unless relieved for breaks, meals, or the end of the shift, including when the patient is sleeping, restrained, or under medication.
Initiate individual and group activities and social interactions consistent with the nursing plan of care.
Provide 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 safety, dignity, and autonomy and following the patient care plan.
Observe and report behavioral responses to interventions.
Collaborate with the primary nurse to help patients undergo testing and consultations in other hospital areas.
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 and mandatory continuing education classes.
Perform non-therapeutic functions under the direction of an MD, PA, APRN, or RN.
Demonstrate accountability and responsibility for actions, competency in managing problems such as aggression, and reliable crisis management in new or unexpected situations.
Maintain professional interpersonal skills with patients and coworkers.
Relocate and rotate to meet patient care needs and prioritize work to complete assignments on time.
Comply with legal and regulatory codes and psychiatric policies, and use appropriate resources to clarify policies and procedures.
Participate in unit activities that positively affect practice, such as in-service presentations and policy-development task forces.
Identify performance areas needing improvement through ongoing communication with a supervisor, accept constructive criticism, and implement corrective action.
Meet personnel-policy punctuality guidelines.