PATIENT OBSERVATION ASSISTANT (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

About the role

Provides visual and audible observation of assigned patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) and unit manager.

Responsibilities

• Visually and audibly monitors the assigned patient's condition and behavior at all times.
• Completes observation reports at established intervals.
• Takes initiative in compassionately rendering service or responding to needs.
• Interacts hospitably, cheerfully, and supportively with staff, patients, visitors, and work colleagues.
• Remains at the bedside of assigned patient at all times unless relieved by an appropriate staff member.
• Verbally redirects the patient from engaging in at-risk behaviors.
• Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to be in medical distress or poses a threat, and escalates to assigned medical professionals.
• Participates in collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues.
• Assures patient environment is safe; reports any safety hazards to the charge nurse. Removes visible hazards and reports as appropriate.
• Assists in calming and/or reorienting patient in cases of agitation or confusion.
• Assists with keeping patient's room safe and orderly.
• Accompanies patient when diagnostic testing is required.
• Immediately summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance, control, or other nursing interventions, or exhibits unusual behavior or verbalizations.
• Immediately reports any potentially dangerous behavior or concerning conversations to the nurse.
• Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patient when arriving on unit and upon completion of shift assignment.
• Arranges coverage around meal break times with nurse and informs nurse prior to leaving patient for any reason.
• Assists patient with ordering dietary tray and setting up of patient's meal tray; assists with basic positioning of patient; assists with patient wheelchair rides and/or ambulation if patient is stable and gait has been previously determined safe by assigned staff nurse.
• Responds rapidly and thoroughly to emergencies, special needs, etc.
• Accepts suggestions and direction from supervisors and hospital staff.
• Demonstrates knowledge of department policies and procedures. Honors department's attendance, break, behavior, dress, personal hygiene, and safety codes.
• Honors all confidentiality and other regulatory requirements.
• Accepts and absorbs department and hospital education program.
• Assists other associates as necessary. Responds to direction as provided.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent is required.
• Current CPR AED or Basic Life Support healthcare provider (BLS-HCP) certification required within 30 days of hire, if required at the facility.
• Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods. Requires bending, stooping, reaching up, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• One to two years of previous experience is preferred.

Benefits

• Retirement Plan
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
• Full-time positions also offer: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/ADD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Pay

$16.00 per hour to $18.00 per hour.

Schedule

Full time and part time schedules. Monday through Friday, hours may vary; rotating weekends. More details upon interview.