Patient Safety Tech

• DEPARTMENT: 16020 - Nursing Registry Core & TSP
• LOCATION:
  
  350 7th Street North, Naples, FL 34102
• WORK TYPE:
  Full Time
• WORK SCHEDULE:
  
  12 Hour Night

NCH is an independent, locally governed non‑profit delivering premier comprehensive care. Our healthcare system is comprised of two hospitals, an alliance of 700+ physicians, and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offer nationally recognized, quality health care.

NCH is transforming into an Advanced Community Healthcare System(TM) and we’re proud to:
• Provide higher acuity care and Centers of Excellence;
• Offer Graduate Medical Education and fellowships;
• Have endowed chairs;
• Conduct research and participate in national clinical trials;
• Partner with other health market leaders, like Hospital for Special Surgery, Encompass, and Pro Scan.

Join our mission to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. We are committed to care and believe there’s always more at NCH—for you and every person we serve together. Visit nchjobs.org to learn more.

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. The tech is accountable to the registered nurse/charge nurse responsible for coordinating unit activities and will receive assignment from the Staffing office. The Patient Safety Tech provides excellent services to all customers and communicates effectively with team members.

• 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 explain responsibilities.
• Remain in the patient room unless given approval to leave by RN.
• Keep patient 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 an unobstructed view of the patient; place a chair between door and patient and remain physically close without disrupting the patient’s space. Continue observation during restroom use and trips for testing procedures.
• Identify barriers to communication with patients and collaborate with nurse to improve communication if possible.
• Monitor the environment for safety: ensure safety alarms are on and that the room is free from unsafe items such as sharp objects, cords, glass, metal cans, etc., and that there is no clutter or tripping hazards. 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. 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.
• Other duties may be assigned.

• PST will be performed continuously by direct visualization of up to 12 patients, via a portable monitoring device with audio and visual monitoring.
• Navigate computer system and utilize a bidirectional communication device to communicate with patients clearly and effectively.
• Verbally redirect patients to support safety needs.
• Communicate patient needs quickly and effectively to onsite care staff when elicited from patient.
• Identify barriers to communication with patients and collaborate with nurses to improve communication if possible.
• Provide electronic privacy curtain when instructed by clinical staff.
• Observe patient and notify the RN immediately in the event of an emergency or sudden change in the patient’s condition, mood, or behavior.
• Receive handoff from previous PST at shift start.
• Know the process for escalating patient needs…