JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for directly observing assigned patients. Promptly and effectively communicates with patients, all health care team members, family, and visitors. Recognizes hazards to patient safety and takes appropriate action to maintain a clean and safe environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Remains alert and attentive.
- Observes rooms for safe environment for behavioral health patients, visitors and staff members.
- Observes patient for any behavior that could indicate potential problems for patients or staff and alerts nursing staff.
- Engages patients in activities as appropriate, for example reading to them, drawing, talking, playing cards, etc.
- Reports patient complaints and unusual incidents to RN.
- Documents observed behaviors.
- Communicates in an appropriate and professional manner. Uses appropriate lines of communication.
- Reports hazards to appropriate supervisor.
- Promptly communicates observations to licensed nursing staff.
- Communicates effectively and establishes good relationships with personnel of unit and other departments, patients, family, visitors and physicians.
- Engages patient in healthy communication as a diversional activity.
- Recognizes hazards to patient safety and takes appropriate action to maintain a clean and safe environment.
- Reports hazards to appropriate supervisor.
- Demonstrates appropriate infection control measures, i. e. Universal Precautions, Isolation Techniques, and Hand Hygiene. Responds appropriately to emergency situations.
- Treats everyone they encounter while in the hospital with care, respect, and dignity.
- Provide Customer Service with Compassion by greeting everyone with a smile, showing empathy, and eye contact.
- Demonstrate Actions speak louder than words by closing the gap when approaching patients and families, utilizing A. I. D. E. T. (key words at key times), and helping to make sure that patient needs are met (offering nutrition, toileting, and fluids as appropriate).
- Demonstrate Respect above all things by never saying "its not my job/patient zone," not utilizing internet or cell phone in the patient care area, and acknowledging, apologizing, and being alert to casual conversations within hearing of patients/visitors.
- Demonstrate Excellence in everything you do by following established policies and procedures.
- Show Service by having a helping attitude and keeping lines of communication open.
REQUIREMENTS:
- BLS Certification from the American Heart Association required.
- HS Diploma or equivalent preferred.