Patient Observer - Partners HealthCare System : Job Details

Summary:

The Constant Patient Safety Associate (CPSA) is a nursing staff member who provides constant safety observation for patients. The goal of the CPSA is to maintain a safe and comfortable therapeutic environment through the direct constant observation of the patient at risk of harm to self or others if left alone. The CPSA may support activities of daily living or provide therapy assigned interventions that are within the CPSA's scope of practice and guided by their clinical preparation. The CPSA functions under the supervision of the RN or LPN assigned to the patient and may assist the PCA.

Key Responsibilities

* Accountable for the direct observation of assigned patient as directed by the assigned RN or LPN.

* Understands and utilizes resources needed to support a safe environment for the assigned patient.

* Understands and utilizes strategies to maintain personal safety when caring for assigned patient

* Obtains report from the previous CPSA and/or the assigned nurse to identify rationale for constant observation, activities or behaviors to report, early warning signs, and any interventions known to be effective in de-escalating or managing unwanted actions or behaviors.

* Identifies potential risks or hazards to patient safety in the environment and reports them to the assigned nurse.

* Use communication skills, appropriate touch, distraction, or other relevant interventions to maintain patient safety and prevent harm.

* Supports activities of daily living including feeding, ambulation, bathing, positioning, and turning of patients who require minimal assistance.

* Assistive care by the CPSA DOES NOT include perineal hygiene care, documenting intake and output, feeding patients at risk for aspiration or on a dysphagia diet, or ambulating patients that require more than minimum assistance.

* May assist other nursing staff with care.

* Supports plans of care by providing role-appropriate therapeutic interventions as directed by PT/OT/SLP/TR.

* Provides activities appropriate to the patient's level of participation or stimulation at the time.

* Develops a plan for self-care including breaks and meals, in collaboration with the assigned nurse.

* If constant observation is for suicide risk, follows facility policy for maintaining a safe environment and understands that patient head, neck, hands, and wrists must always be visible.

* If constant observation is during behavioral health restraint, understands risks of harm from the type of restraint in use and need for vigilance in observation.

* Follows instructions during behavioral health emergencies as part of a team response.

* Documents observations in a timely manner using the appropriate form.

Reports observations and recommendations for ongoing observation to the assigned nurse at the end of the shift.

* Provides report to CPSA replacing them at change of shift.

* May serve as first responder for AvaSys alarms when not providing direct observation.

* Demonstrates a strong team work ethic.

Demonstrates dependability in maintaining a committed work schedule.

Qualifications and Experience

Education/Degree

Required

Preferred

* Certified Nursing Assistant training

* Student in an accredited School of Nursing or other health care professional program.

Experience

Required

Preferred: At least one clinical rotation in an inpatient setting.

Licensure

Required

* N/A.

Preferred

Skills (Specific learned activity gained through training (e.g., computer skills, keyboarding, presentation, CPR, ACLS, etc.)

Required

* Effective verbal, electronic and written communications skills using the English language.

* Some computer proficiency required.

* Maintain variable work schedule to meet department needs (Evenings and nights, holidays, and weekends).

Preferred

* Highly developed communications and interpersonal skills, experience working with diverse population.

* Work independently, be self-directed, and contribute as a member of a team.

* Anticipates challenges and develops and implements strategies for addressing them.

* High level of service delivery. Demonstrate initiative with ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and adapt to changing situations.

* Attention to detail in documentation.