MH Patient Safety Observer

SUMMARY

In each of our hospitals, the Patient Safety Observer role exists to maintain a safe environment for the patients to whom the Observer is assigned to constantly monitor without distraction. Patients requiring observers are those who are considered at high-risk either to themselves or others. The Patient Safety Observer is required to maintain an unobstructed view of the patient at all times, this includes when in the bathroom and accompanying the patient to any testing.

The Patient Safety Observer monitors the safety of the patient and reports any changes to the Registered Nurse overseeing the patient's care. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done.

The core Success Factors include:
Instill Trust and Value Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate.

• Maintain constant observation of the patient, facing the patient, and do not leave the patient unattended (including when visitors are present) and do not leave without RN approval and relief.
• Receive, review, and discuss the RN's report detailing any special needs/monitoring.
• Immediately report any observed changes in the patient's behavior or condition to the duty nurse via the intercom system or other available mediums.
• Inform the RN of any patient complaints related to their health.
• Call the appropriate code if needed.
• Perform patient assistance activities as related to ambulation and mobilization safely, including, but not limited to, assisting patients out of and returning to their bed/chair primarily for bathroom needs (if monitoring only one patient).
• Regularly conduct room safety sweeps per policy and ensure that potentially hazardous items are removed whenever possible.
• Monitor applied restraints to ensure patient safety and comfort.
• Assist in dressing and undressing the patient as needed and secure clothes and belongings as per company standard to ensure the patient's safety.
• Maintain a professional and safe appearance, including not wearing any items around the neck that could be used as a weapon.
• Document all observations on the patient safety sheet as instructed and within designated time frames.
• Always ensure patient confidentiality and refrain from discussing patient information with anyone other than the assigned nurse and physician.
• Communicate in a professional and empathetic manner with the patient at all times, by listening and acknowledging patient complaints and referring such complaints to the RN. Any complaints that cannot be resolved at the point of care shall be referred to the patient advocate.
• Refrain from conversations with patients regarding their medical condition or plan of care.
• Greet the patient and introduce oneself at the beginning of each assignment.
• Be solely dedicated to observing the patient throughout the shift.
• Do not bring personal items such as phones, food, books, or magazines into the room.
• Maintain infection prevention standards during all activities.
• Maintain personal and professional boundaries at all times, including refraining from sharing personal information.

• No experience necessary as on‑the‑job training is provided; however previous experience in a hospital or nursing home setting is a plus.
• Good oral and written communication skills in the English language.
• Must be able to accurately document pertinent information either by writing or typing.
• Strong critical thinking and interpersonal skills relevant to patient care to safely and efficiently care for patients and interact with them.

• High‑school graduate or equivalent.
• American Red Cross or American Heart BLS certification required (certification training will be provided during orientation if not already achieved).
• Completion of the Patient Safety Observer training within the first week of hire and prior to any patient observation assignments.
• Successful…