Patient Safety Observer

TRINITY HEALTH•Minot, ND

6d•$15 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Safety Observer provides continuous, direct observation of patients who require 1:1 monitoring because of an increased risk of harm to themselves. Working under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Observer maintains uninterrupted visual observation, identifies potential safety concerns, and promptly communicates changes in behavior or safety status to nursing staff. This is a non-clinical safety role: the Observer does not perform assessments, provide medical treatment, administer medications, or make clinical decisions. The role is based at the Trinity Health Hospital Campus & Medical District in Minot, North Dakota, and is casual with varying shifts. The RN remains responsible for the patient's clinical assessment, treatment, and determination of appropriate interventions.

Requirements

Maintain continuous attention and observation for extended periods.
Recognize and promptly report changes in patient behavior or safety status.
Communicate clearly and effectively with nursing staff.
Remain calm and professional when working with suicidal, agitated, confused, or unpredictable patients.
Follow verbal and written instructions.
Maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
Be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods while maintaining continuous observation.
Be able to walk, bend, reach, and quickly obtain assistance during a safety or behavioral emergency.
Have adequate vision, hearing, and communication skills.
Follow safety, infection-prevention, PPE, confidentiality, and patient-rights requirements.

Nice To Haves

CNA certification (preferred but not required).
CPR/BLS certification (preferred).
High school graduation or equivalent (preferred).

Responsibilities

Maintain continuous, uninterrupted visual observation of the assigned patient.
Remain with the patient at all times and never leave the patient unattended.
Observe the patient's behavior, activity, surroundings, and interactions for potential safety concerns.
Immediately notify the RN of suicidal statements, self-harm attempts, aggression, elopement attempts, significant behavioral changes, or other safety concerns.
Remain alert to potential hazards, prohibited items, or objects that could be used for self-harm, and promptly report concerns to nursing staff.
Follow patient-specific safety precautions, suicide-prevention procedures, and hospital policies.
Maintain observation during meals, toileting, bathing, sleeping, and movement throughout the hospital as directed by nursing staff.
Provide basic, non-clinical comfort and assistance within the role's limits and as directed by nursing staff.
Maintain a calm, respectful, and professional presence while protecting patient dignity and confidentiality.
Complete required training in suicide prevention, de-escalation, patient safety, infection prevention, and emergency procedures.