Patient Observer - Inpatient Behavioral Health

Site: Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Inc.

 

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

 

With energy and purpose, Cooley Dickinson Health Care, a member of the Mass General Brigham system, is advancing health care in western Massachusetts, and has been since 1886. Our network employs more than 2,000 medical professionals and support staff, at our main Hospital campus in Northampton and additional locations in twelve towns throughout the Pioneer Valley. Cooley Dickinson’s VNA & Hospice is also a vital part of our network, providing home-based services throughout Hampshire and Franklin counties.

 

Job Summary

Summary
The Patient Care Observer is responsible for remaining in constant attendance with an assigned patient to help maintain the patient's safety under the direction of the unit's Shift Charge Nurse.

This position is part of the 1199SEIU Bargaining Unit at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

This position reports to the Nurse Manager and operates within established organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
Does this position require Patient Care? Yes
Essential Functions
Remain in constant attendance with assigned high risk patient until relieved by assigned member of the healthcare team.
-Maintain safety for patients with suicidal ideation.
-Obtain assistance from healthcare team with any restrained patient who needs attention or assistance.
-Immediately report any change in the patient’s condition to the patient’s nurse.
-Perform the following tasks as necessary under the direction of the assigned nurse to maintain patient comfort and safety:
• Falls prevention
• Assist to place patient’s extremities back into bed as needed
• Remove clutter or items within patient’s reach
• Offer assistance with toileting
• Assist patient to walk if independent in ambulation
• Offer food and fluids
• Assist health care team members with turning and repositioning while maintaining patient privacy and dignity
• Recognizes when/how to call 44 for help
-Accompany transport personnel with the patient if transport is necessary.
-Interact with patient as directed by the patient’s nurse. Activities may include reading or talking to the patient or playing cards.
-Document patient status and interactions on required form per hospital policy.
-Perform the following responsibilities with assistance from a trained member of the healthcare team:
• Application and ongoing assessment of restraints (if restraints are in use, PCO will notify healthcare team if restraint become too loose or too tight or if patient requires further help)
• Use of assistive devices
• Use of lift equipment
• Feeding patient with high risk of aspiration
-Maintain established hospital and departmental policies and procedures, objectives, confidentiality, quality improvement program, safety, compliance, infection control, and environmental standards.
-Maintain professional growth and development through attendance at seminars, workshops, conferences or in-services, professional affiliations, or journals to stay abreast of current trends in field of expertise.
-Meet annual competency and retraining requirements. Ensure staff meets annual competency and retraining requirements.
-Attend meetings as required.
-Perform other functions/duties as requested.

 

Qualifications

Education High School Diploma or Equivalent preferred Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No Licenses and Credentials Experience Experience working in a clinical environment preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Ability to communicate with children and /or adults required.

 

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Physical Requirements

Standing Frequently (34-66%)

Walking Frequently (34-66%)

Sitting Occasionally (3-33%)

Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)

Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs

Pushing Occasionally (3-33%)

Pulling Occasionally (3-33%)

Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)

Balancing Frequently (34-66%)

Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)

Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%)

Crouching Occasionally (3-33%)

Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)

Reaching Frequently (34-66%)

Gross Manipulation (Handling)