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 supports nursing interventions that provide patients opportunities to learn adaptive coping skills and maintains one-to-one observation to help ensure patients do not harm themselves. Patient Observers help maintain a therapeutic environment and provide individualized care that preserves each patient's safety, dignity, and autonomy.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Proficient in English, both verbally and in writing.
Minimum two years of prior experience preferred in psychiatry or a related field, working with specialized populations such as emotionally disturbed adults, adolescents, or children and families.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of experience in psychiatry or a related field, particularly with specialized populations such as emotionally disturbed adults, adolescents, or children and families.

Responsibilities

Assist nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic environment for safe patient care and treatment.
Provide continuous one-to-one observation and visualization to ensure patient safety.
Notify the patient's nurse of changes in the patient's physical or psychiatric condition.
Remain with the patient until relieved for breaks, meals, or shift end, 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.
Support environmental and emotional safety through consistent limit setting, physical holding and restraining, and monitoring visitor 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 patient 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 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.
Complete non-therapeutic functions under the direction of an MD, PA, APRN, or RN.
Demonstrate accountability and responsibility for actions.
Demonstrate 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 collaborating with licensed staff on in-service presentations or 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, as reflected in timekeeping records and supervisor observations.