Patient Safety Observer - Nursing Resource Pool, PRN nights

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Job Description

Job Description:                                   Patient Safety Observer  

The Patient Safety Observer role is a position providing support to the patient care team by providing constant observation and monitoring of assigned patients to ensure safety and prevention of injury. Responsible for one on one direct, continuous observation for the purpose of injury prevention of patients who might be at high risk to injure themselves or others due to confusion, delirium, self-destructive behavior, or a high likely hood of falling. Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse and in accordance with department policies and procedures, responsible for keeping the patient in his/her line of vision at all times and working with others in the healthcare team to assure prompt intervention to prevent physical harm to patients ensuring optimal patient safety and patient comfort. 

Department:                                         Nursing Resource Float Pool                                                                                            

Responsible To:                                   Director of Nursing Resource Float Pool and/or VP of Nursing Administration

Education/Training:                            High School Diploma or GED preferred; requires successful completion of Hospital Patient Safety Observer training course within 90 days of employment.  Current FH Nursing Staff and current FH Safety & Security Staff may be considered without additional training required.

Skills & Abilities:                  Must possess excellent communication skills, guest relations skills. Must be a team player (works well with others).  Ability to accurately relay messages. Ability to relate to the public in a caring, tactful and courteous manner under all circumstances. Demonstrates understanding of the use of unit technology i.e. call systems, bed controls and TV controls. Ability to provide basic assistive care with frequent supervision and on going mentoring from Registered Nurse

Physical Requirements:                      May sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Environmental Conditions:               Works primarily inside.

Occupational Exposure:                    Category II = Job involves tasks or procedures that have some exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials during the performance of duties.               

Skills/Requirements

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides close and continuous, consistent, direct visual surveillance for assigned patient(s). 
2. Takes direction from the Registered Nurse (RN) only.  At the beginning of the shift, receives report from the RN, including any patient specific behaviors to observe. Gives report to the RN, about any specific patient behaviors observed as necessary on a timely basis, and at the end of the shift.
3. Remains with the patient at all times, including when the patient leaves room/unit for procedures, testing, or upon transfer to other units.  Does not leave patient unless relieved by another staff member, as directed by the RN.   Calls for assistance immediately when necessary, to prevent patient from harming self or others.  Observes and reports to the RN all expressed patient concerns or distress. Notifies the RN when any of the patient’s tubes, IVs or catheters, become disconnected.
4. Keeps patient room neat and orderly.
5. Provides companionship by reading, listening and talking with the patient.
6. Courteously greets patients, introduces self, and explains the purpose of the patient observer role.
7. Rotates to the hospital inpatient units as assigned.
8. Follows infection prevention policies and procedures as directed by the RN.  Washes hands when entering and leaving patient rooms.
9. Performs other job related duties as assigned.
    

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