Patient Observer - 24hrs/Evening Shift

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.

 

Job 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 Respiratory Therapy Manager and operates within established organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

Remain in constant attendance with assigned high risk patient until relieved by assigned member of the healthcare team.

Immediately report any observed change in the patient’s condition to the patient’s nurse.

Perform the following tasks as necessary 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 with ambulation (uses assistive devices as appropriate)
• Offer food and fluids
• Assist with turning and repositioning while maintaining patient privacy and dignity
• Recognize when/how to call for help

 

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred

• Ability to communicate with children and /or adults required

• AVADE certification required within 6 months

• Experience working in a clinical environment preferred

• American Heart Association BLS certification required within 30 days of hire

 

SHIFT:

3:00pm to 11:30pm various weekdays & every other weekend

ESSENTIAL JOB 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 observed change in the patient’s condition to the patient’s nurse.

• Perform the following tasks as necessary 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 with ambulation (uses assistive devices as appropriate)

  • Offer food and fluids 

  • Assist with turning and repositioning while maintaining patient privacy and dignity

  • Recognize when/how to call for help

  • Utilize computer software for virtual monitor system to help keep patients safe from injury

• 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 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 expert