Patient Observation Assistant

About the role

Participates in the collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues. Provides continuous observation or constant roving to observe and intervene when risky patient behaviors are identified. Communicates with the patients to deescalate tense situations, verbal communication with care team members, and documents in the patients electronic medial record in regular intervals. Performs or assist patients with ADL's, meals, and ambulates patients. Ensures that the patient environment is safe and reports any safety hazards to the nurse. Provides continuous, direct, one-to-one patient visual and audible observation of patients of all ages to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment. Job Duties Takes initiative in compassionately rendering services or responding to needs and interacts hospitably, cheerfully, and supportively with staff, patients, visitors, and work colleagues. Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to be in medical distress or poses a threat, and escalates to assigned medical professionals. Assists patient with ordering dietary tray and setting up of patient's meal tray and assists with basic positioning of patient. Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patient when arriving on unit and upon completion of shift assignment. Assists with patient wheelchair rides and/or ambulation if the patient is stable and gait has been previously determined safe. Assists in completing specific direct patient care tasks. Responds rapidly and thoroughly to emergencies, and special needs. Provides continuous direct one-to-one patient observation. Documents observations in the patient's electronic medical record in regular intervals Minimum Qualifications Must be 18 years old or older Ability to recognize and report data reflective of the patients' status and identify each patient's specific needs. Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods. Knowledge of the principles of growth and development through the life span. Knowledge of department policies and procedures. American Heart Association Basic Life Support - State of Pennsylvania within 30 Days Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED - State of Pennsylvania within 30 Days Preferred Qualifications Successful completion of Crisis Management Course. Physical Demands Lift and carry 40-50 lbs. Examples: Push/pull patients on bed, stretcher (requires 29 lbs. push force), lateral transfers up to 50 lbs. of the patient's weight. Frequent to continuous standing/walking. Patient transporters can walk 8-10 miles per shift. *Patient care providers may be required to perform activities specific to their role including kneeling, bending, squatting and performing CPR. Job Description Disclaimer: This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require. Lehigh Valley Health Network is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with, and where applicable, in addition to federal, state and local employment regulations, Lehigh Valley Health Network will provide employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other such protected classes as may be defined by law. All personnel actions and programs will adhere to this policy. Personnel actions and programs include, but are not limited to recruitment, selection, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, educational programs and/or social activities. ht