Patient Safety Observer

WOOSTER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Patient Safety Observer

MAIN FUNCTION:

Assists nurses in maintaining patient safety as directed by RN / LPN. Provides ongoing one-on-one supervision for an assigned patient, working closely with nursing, to alert them of any needs or concerns immediately. Documents observations in the medical record according to Wooster Community Hospital policy. Acts in compliance with hospital, Nursing Department policies / procedures and Service Standards as outlined in the Employee Handbook.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Department Manager, Charge Nurse, RN, LPN

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• Desire to assist with patient care/safety
• 18 years of age or greater
• Completed mandatory education/training offered by Wooster Community Hospital on suicide precautions. Education must be completed prior to serving as a patient safety observer and on an annual basis
• Cell phone capable of receiving text messages. Must commit to receiving text message notifications for available openings

COMMITMENT:

• Expected to commit to 72 hours per 3-month period
• Eligible to transfer to other Wooster Community Hospital positions after 6 months of employment

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Strong customer service philosophy

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Employees in this position may be:

• Exposed to blood, body fluids and/or airborne pathogens and are required to wear barriers
• Employees in this position must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, turn, crouch, and bend as necessary to complete nursing care tasks
• Exposure to restless and agitated patients

POSITION EXPECTATIONS: All expectations detailed below are considered ADA (American Disabilities Act) Essential.

Leadership

1. Embraces teamwork
2. Accepts and responds to change productively, while maintaining a positive attitude
3. Demonstrates professional behavior and competence in job duties
4. Demonstrates basic conflict resolution skills

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Communication

1. Maintains awareness of verbal / non verbal communication in interactions with staff, other departments, physicians, patients and families
2. Maintains patient confidentiality in all communication interactions: written, verbal, electronic, and digital
3. Collaborates and communicates effectively with all members of the health care team
4. Demonstrates basic ability to initiate and manage crucial conversations
5. Utilizes strategies to foster positive communication
6. Demonstrates acceptance of supervisory authority, guidance and instruction. Follows appropriate chain of command.
7. Participates in huddles/team collaboration

Operations

1. Maintains appropriate skills

• Reports abnormal observations and specific problems immediately
• Observes patient for safety and reports to RN

1. Does not leave patient unattended

1. Documents observations in the medical record according to Wooster Community Hospital policy at defined intervals
2. Under the direction of licensed Nursing Staff:

• Provide comfort measures
• Follow infection control guidelines and safety precautions
• Assists with fluid and nutritional needs of the patient
• Maintain fall prevention strategies
• Uses appropriate personal protective equipment

1. Requests relief for breaks, etc. Does not leave patient unattended.
2. Interacts appropriately with WCH customers (patients, family visitors, staff)

• Maintains patient’s modesty/dignity/confidentiality
• Provides diversion activities as directed by licensed nursing staff
• Tells patient exactly what is expected
• Allows patient choices with consideration to patient safety
• Speaks slowly and directly to patient in simple terms

Customer Service

1. Displays positive attitude. Treats others with honesty and respect. Speaks positively in all customer interactions internal and external.
2. Assess customer satisfaction and use appropriate chain of command for unresolved issues or problems.
3. Uses Positive communication techniques to:

• Optimize the patient’s experience by reducing the patient and family’s anxiety and increasing the patient’s compliance

1. Use face to face resolutions (crucial conversations) to intervene with patients or staff in situations where customer needs have not been met to determine a positive, mutually agreeable resolution

Staff Development

In conjunction with the Department Manager, Clinical Specialist and / or Educator:

1. Maintain awareness of changes in safety and infection control practices

Performance Improvement

1. Identify processes to be improved and communicate to management team

1. Develop and maintain awareness of DNV GL, CMS (Centers for Medicare Services) and other required quality and safety measures

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCY

Dependent upon department and the population served:

Neonatal (Birth thru 28 days)

1. Handles infants in gentle manner
2. Speaks in soothing voice
3. Holds and cuddles infant when necessary
4. Facilitates parental interaction and care of infant

Infant (29 days thru 12 months)

1. Approaches infant in slow, non-threatening way
2. Speaks in soothing way
3. Holds and cuddles infant as much as possible
4. Encourages parental interaction with infant
5. Allows for familiar toys/blankets to be brought from home

Pediatrics (one year thru 11 years)

1. Allows choices when possible
2. Speaks directly using few, clear, simple terms and explanations
3. Limits number of strangers entering room
4. Provides consistent nursing assignments
5. Does not shame parents for lack of cooperation
6. Holds child for painful procedures

Adolescents (12 years thru 18 years)

1. Allows participation in care and choices as appropriate
2. Provides for patient's modesty
3. Tells patient exactly what will be expected
4. Allows patient control
5. Speaks directly to patient in simple medical terms

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

1. Identifies physical/social/emotional barriers and physical limitations at discharge
2. Teaches patient about one item at a time
3. Repeats instructions several times
4. Speaks slowly and distinctly when talking to the patient

11/2019