Patient Safety Tech

About the role

The Patient Safety Tech supports the nursing staff by providing direct observation of patients on a continuous basis while on duty. This observation can be virtual or direct in-patient room. He/she is accountable to the registered nurse/charge nurse responsible for coordinating unit activities and will receive assignment from the Staffing office.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive report on a patient from the charge nurse and receives the PST Assignment form, PST flow sheet form and patient handoff form.
• Introduce self to patient and tactfully explains responsibilities.
• Remain in the patient room unless given approval to leave by RN.
• Patient should be kept busy during the shift through interactions including reading, talking, games (cards, simple board games, nighttime activities may include reading, comforting, reassuring).
• Observe the patient and notify the RN immediately in the event of an emergency or sudden change in the patient’s condition, mood, or behavior.
• Maintain observation during restroom use and trips for testing procedures.
• Identify barriers to communication with patients and collaborates with nurse to improve communication if possible.
• Maintain the environment for safety, be sure safety alarms are on and that the room is free from unsafe items like sharp objects, cords, glass, metal cans, etc. and that there is no clutter or things that someone could trip on.
• Observe and report changes in patient condition to nurse immediately.
• Ambulate and assist the patient in and out of bed/chair with approval from the charge nurse/RN.
• Set up food trays for meals for patients who can self-feed.
• Always remain alert.
• No cell phone use, texting and heavy reading are prohibited.
• Document on PST Flow Sheet hourly and submit all forms to the RN at the end of the shift.
• Complete unit evaluation form and the break form and submit to the staffing office in person or by faxing it at the end of the shift.

Qualifications

• Minimum of High School or GED required.
• Basic computer knowledge: ability to operate a PC, create/save/print documents, input data.
• Demonstrate an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful conditions.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of monitors utilized.
• Must be able to navigate between screens quickly and efficiently.