Inpatient Behavioral Health Observer — Safety & Care

Lifespan; Fall River (MA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 35,817; Full time

Job summary

Brown University Health is seeking a Behavioral Health Attendant to maintain a safe environment for high-risk patients, providing constant observation and reporting to RNs. The role emphasizes confidentiality, professional communication, and unwavering attention to patient needs throughout the shift.

Responsibilities include reporting changes, assisting with ambulation, room safety, and adherence to infection control practices.

Qualifications

• No experience necessary; on-the-job training is provided. Previous experience in a hospital or nursing home setting is a plus.
• Good oral and written communication skills in the English language.
• Ability to accurately document pertinent information 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.

Responsibilities

• Maintain constant observation of the patient, facing the patient at all times.
• Do not leave the patient unattended, including when visitors are present.
• Do not leave the assignment without RN approval and relief.
• Receive, review, and discuss the RN's report detailing any special needs or monitoring requirements.
• Immediately report any observed changes in the patient's behavior or condition to the duty nurse via the intercom system or other available communication methods.
• Inform the RN of any patient complaints related to their health.
• Call the appropriate code if needed.
• Perform patient assistance activities 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 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 according to company standards to ensure patient 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 timeframes.
• Ensure patient confidentiality at all times and refrain from discussing patient information with anyone other than the assigned nurse and physician.
• Communicate in a professional and empathetic manner with patients by listening to and acknowledging complaints and referring such complaints to the RN.
• Refer any complaints that cannot be resolved at the point of care to the patient advocate.
• Refrain from conversations with patients regarding their medical condition or plan of care.
• Greet the patient and introduce yourself at the beginning of each assignment.
• Remain 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.

Skills

Observation & patient safety

English communication

Documentation

Critical thinking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

American Heart BLS certification

Care of the Aggressive Patient training

Unit orientation completion

Job description

Brown University Health is seeking a Behavioral Health Attendant to maintain a safe environment for high-risk patients, providing constant observation and reporting to RNs. The role emphasizes confidentiality, professional communication, and unwavering attention to patient needs throughout the shift.

Responsibilities include reporting changes, assisting with ambulation, room safety, and adherence to infection control practices.