Patient Observer, Emergency Room, 24hrs Days. CL

Company: UMass Memorial Health - HealthAlliance-Clinton Hos
Location: Clinton
Posted on: January 26, 2023

Job Description:

Title: -Patient ObserverDepartment: -Med Tele Unit & Emergency Dept. FloatRequisition #: - -Hours: -24 HoursShift: - DaysUnion: -Non-UnionPosting Date: - 10/29/2021Status: - Non-exempt/HourlyLocation: -HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital, Clinton -Campus. -HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital -is part of the UMass Memorial Health Care system. - -Serving northern central Massachusetts, we -are -committed to improving the health of people through excellence in care and comprehensive health services. By exploring careers with us, you are committed to giving your best to our patients, our community and everyone working on our HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital Care Team. Whatever your career choice, know that at HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital you can make a difference.GENERAL SUMMARY:The Patient Observer works under the direction of the Nursing Staff by providing direct observation of one or more patients who have been assessed as a safety risk to themselves or others and require constant observation. - The observation and care activities are individualized for each patient at the direction the medical/nursing staff. - The Patient Observer uses the ability to react quickly and notifies nursing staff of unsafe, changing or unusual conditions. - This position is an important component of the continuum of care as it is provided to maintain the safety and protect the well-being of patients at-risk for injury to self or others. - -PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: -Job duties specific to this position:

• Observes one or more assigned patients for harmful, dangerous, or violent behaviors.
• Communicates with nursing staff to understand patient parameters before and during each assignment.
• Notifies nursing staff of changing or unusual conditions. - Reports any and all activity or conditions outside of established parameters to the Nurse Manager, Registered Nurse, or Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Maintains an uninterrupted line of sight with the patient(s). -
• Appropriately communicates information in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.
• Completes all documentation as required.
• Interacts and copes effectively with diverse populations in sudden, stressful situations resulting from trauma, and physical and mental illness. -
• Remains alert and mentally engaged for extended periods of time.
• Uses verbal intervention to calm patient, diffuse aggressive behavior or prevent escalation of conflict.
• Notifies appropriate nursing staff of patient needs if patient is unable to do so. -
• Initiates, completes and maintains medical records, department logs, unit/shift task lists and other documentation as required.
• Performs skills and procedures specific to the role proficiently in accordance with departmental competencies and procedures. -
• Makes fiscally responsible actions with patient care needs, supplies and equipment.
• Responds appropriately and immediately in emergency situations.
• Complies with all department and hospital policies and procedures.
• Participates in and completes all appropriate Hospital and department specific training requirements.Job duties for all positions:
  • Takes responsibility for ensuring that all work outcomes satisfy the - Finance, Quality, and Service Excellence standards
  • The individual must support the mission, vision, and goals of the hospital and serve as a role model for the CARES- It Happens Here customer service initiative.
  • Demonstrates excellent attendance and actively participates in a variety of meetings and training sessions as required.
  • Demonstrates a friendly, responsive, service-minded attitude to all internal and external customers.
  • Communicates ideas effectively. Shares information and keeps others properly informed. Gives, and is open to useful feedback.
  • Adheres to the Hospital Code of Conduct and Behavior Standards and dress code. -
  • Complies with established environment of care/safety policies and procedures and all health and safety requirements.
  • Maintains, and fosters, an organized, clean, safe work environment.
  • Actively contributes to the development and application of process improvements.
  • Maintains a collaborative, team relationship with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the group's achievement of goals and to help foster a positive work environment.
  • Demonstrates respect for the diversity of patient and employee populations. Supports and encourages diverse points of view, work and lifestyles.
  • Practices cost containment and fiscal responsibility through the efficient use of supplies, equipment, time, etc.
  • Performs a variety of related duties as assigned.JOB REQUIREMENTS -JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
    • Ability to remain alert for extended periods of time.
    • Ability to verbally calm patients and to learn and apply Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) principles when speaking with agitated or aggressive patients.
    • Ability to react quickly to sudden, stressful situations while maintaining a calm composure. -
    • Ability to take call and arrive at hospital within 30 minutes or less with short notice.
    • Ability to follow all policies and procedures.
    • Ability to read, write and speak English clearly.
    • Knowledge of Spanish is helpful.EDUCATION:A high school diploma or equivalent is required. - Coursework in counseling, psychology or similar topics desired. -EXPERIENCE:Previous CNA, nurse aide/patient care experience desired and/or 1 year prior experience as a mental health counselor, law enforcement officer, or in a mental/behavioral health role preferred. - Additionally, experience with MOAB principles is desired.An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Keywords: UMass Memorial Health - HealthAlliance-Clinton Hos, Worcester , Patient Observer, Emergency Room, 24hrs Days. CL, Other , Clinton, Massachusetts