Patient Observer

VPNE•Lebanon, NH

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Observer provides constant safety observation for patients at risk of unintentional or intentional self-injury or interference with their care. This includes patients who are confused, experiencing drug/alcohol withdrawal, at high risk for falling, or at risk for elopement. The role operates under the direction of VPNE and in conjunction with the unit and clinical team, ensuring patient care aligns with individualized needs. While nursing staff provides direct nursing care, the Patient Observer/Companion is responsible for the overall care of the patient, including monitoring for escalating behavior and accompanying patients to the bathroom and testing as needed. The Care Companion/Observer may also be assigned to patients at risk for suicide.

Requirements

Proficient in English both verbally and written
Ability to perform Safeguarding, including safeguarding the privacy and security of patient information, complying with policies and procedures relating to VPNE and the hospital’s privacy and security programs, and bringing potential compliance issues to a manager, supervisor, director or VP
Ability to perform Patient and Family Centered Care, including conveying respect for values, preferences, and expressed needs of the patient and family, and communicating and collaborating effectively with patients, families to promote patient health and well-being
Ability to contribute to Culture, including considering the individual needs of each person with whom they interact, interacting with sensitivity in the delivery of care/services of diverse populations as needed, reporting to work in proper uniform as per departmental standards and/or hospital policy, and maintaining a professional, courteous attitude toward patient, co–workers and all departments daily
Ability to demonstrate Safety Awareness, including fostering a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment, demonstrating proper body mechanics in all functions, understanding individual role/responsibilities in the event of a hospital code (e.g., Code Green, Code Red), performing proper handwashing per CDC guidelines, utilizing appropriate communication to relay any identified patient or staff safety risks, and reporting patient status to incoming staff in respectful, professional manner

Nice To Haves

Previous service industry experience

Responsibilities

Performs patient observation as assigned
Documents patients behavior using the appropriate form/tool
Obtains appropriate information at the start of the shift in regard to care from Registered Nurse
Adheres to patient conversation guidelines
Monitors the safety of the patient and maintains safe environment as directed by the registered nurse (e.g., maintains safety position in room when appropriate, keeps patients in sight at all times)
Monitors patient for escalating behavior
Accompanies the patient to the bathroom and testing as needed
Demonstrates proficiency with the use of bed alarms
Ensures patient's clothing and belongings are placed in the patient’s closet away from the patient
Demonstrates the skills and judgment necessary to provide direct care to patients under the direct supervision of licensed personnel
Observes and reports patient's status and needs to nurse
Remains on duty until relieved by oncoming coverage or Nurse discontinues coverage
May be assigned to watch patients that are at risk for suicide
Safeguard the privacy and security of patient information
Comply with policies and procedures relating to VPNE and the hospital’s privacy and security programs
Bring potential compliance issues to a manager, supervisor, director or VP
Convey respect for values, preferences, and expressed needs of the patient and family
Communicate and collaborate effectively with patients, families to promote patient health and well-being
Consider the individual needs of each person with whom they interact
Interact with sensitivity in the delivery of care/services of diverse populations as needed
Report to work in proper uniform as per departmental standards and/or hospital policy
Maintain a professional, courteous attitude toward patient, co–workers and all departments daily
Foster a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment
Demonstrate proper body mechanics in all functions
Understand individual role/responsibilities in the event of a hospital code (e.g., Code Green, Code Red)
Perform proper handwashing per CDC guidelines
Utilize appropriate communication to relay any identified patient or staff safety risks
Report patient status to incoming staff in respectful, professional manner