Patient Observer, Emergency Department, 24hrs, Nights

At UMass Memorial Health, everyone is a caregiver – regardless of their title or responsibilities. Exceptional patient care, academic excellence and leading-edge research make UMass Memorial the premier health system of Central Massachusetts, and a place where we can help you build the career you deserve. We are more than 16,000 employees, working together as one health system in a relentless pursuit of healing for our patients, community and each other. And everyone, in their own unique way, plays an important part, every day.

I. Major Responsibilities:
1. Develops and maintains good human relations skills. Introduces self by name to the patient and engages in eye contact. Consistently displays a respectful, empathetic and caring attitude toward both the patients and their family members.
2. Consistently observes for suicidal and/or violent behavior. Stays in close proximity of the patient and keeps them in the visual field at all times. Ensures patient safety at all times including while in the bathroom and when transported to other departments.
3. Monitor visitors to ensure no unsafe materials are shared with the patient (weapons, illicit drugs, sharps).
4. Maintains 15-minute checks with documentation unless otherwise directed.
5. Patient Safety Observers can monitor more than 1 patient if deemed appropriate by the licensed staff in charge.
6. Follow the directions of the nurse in charge.
7. May transport patients if directed by the licensed staff in charge.
8. When not observing a patient the patient safety observer can be used for other ancillary activities as directed by the nursing supervisor (making beds in the ED, stocking, assisting with transporting patients).
9. Functions in a float position and is assigned to the areas with patient needs.
10. Maintains patient dignity at all times and advocates for the patient.