Patient Observer

VPNE; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

VPNE is seeking a Patient Observer to work as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team in the Greater Boston area. You will provide one-to-one observation under the direction of a Registered Nurse and participate in nursing interventions to support learning coping strategies while ensuring patient safety.

Responsibilities include monitoring patients, notifying nurses of changes, participating in care plans, and maintaining a clean, safe environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years prior experience in psychiatry or related field preferred.
• Proficient in English both verbally and written.
• High School Diploma required.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one observation to ensure patient safety.
• Notify nurse of changes in patient condition.
• Remain with patient at all times, including during sleep or under restraints.
• Initiate patient activities and social interactions per care plan.
• Maintain a safe, clean patient environment and document observations.
• Assist with patient care to support safety, dignity, and autonomy.
• Collaborate with the nurse to facilitate testing and consultations.

Skills

English proficiency

Empathy

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Posted Friday, August 7, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Position Summary

Working collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team, the Patient Observer works under the direction of a Registered Nurse, participating in carrying out nursing interventions to provide patients with opportunities for learning adaptive ways of coping. The Patient Observer works to maintain safety as a one to one to assure that the patient does not harm himself/herself.

VPNE is a family-owned, fun, and rapidly growing company headquartered in the Greater Boston Area. VPNE, has been collaborating with the world’s finest hospitals to solve their people and logistics challenges since 1990. We promote growth from within and instill our company's family values in an ever-expanding business. Our teammates are energetic, friendly, and proactive in helping VPNE build its brand – all while working at the world’s most prestigious healthcare institutions.

Are you a dedicated professional who thrives in a fun, fast-paced, team-oriented environment? Are you interested in joining a community of teammates who are spirited, driven, and diverse?

If so, you belong at VPNE. We are a recognized leader in healthcare, looking for people like you to help deliver world-class care and help our clients’ hospitals perform at the highest levels.

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Assists the nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic milieu /environment to ensure safe care and treatment of patients.

• Provides one to one observation with continuous visualization at all times to ensure safety
• Notifies the patient's nurse of any changes in the patient's physical/ psychiatric condition
• Remains with patient at all times unless relieved for a breaks, meals and at end of shift, even when patient appears to be sleeping, is in restraints or is under the influence of medication
• Initiates patient activities and social interactions in individual and group situations consistent with the nursing plan of care.
• Provides environmental and emotional safety for each patient through consistent limit setting, physical holding and restraining, as well as monitoring activities and interactions of visitors, under direction of the Registered Nurse.
• Maintains a clean and safe patient environment.
• Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, provides individualized patient care to insure the safety and dignity of the patient.
• Follows the patient care plan preserving patients' safety, dignity and autonomy.
• Observes and reports behavioral responses to interventions
• Collaborates with the primary nurse to assist patient in undergoing testing and consultations in other areas of the hospital
• In concert with the nurse, participates in teaching behavioral techniques such as relaxation and coping skills
• Completes required documentation i.e. 15 minute observation form, Environmental Safety Checks sheet on non-behavioral health units
• Completes annual sitter competency evaluation
• Completes non-therapeutic functions under the direction of MD, PA, APRN or RN.
• Demonstrates accountability and responsibility for actions.
• Demonstrates competency in managing patient problems such as aggression
• Demonstrates reliable crisis management skills in new or unexpected situations.
• Demonstrates professional interpersonal skills with patients and coworkers
• Relocates and rotates to meet patient care needs.
• Prioritizes patient care to complete assignments in a timely manner
• Demonstrates compliance with legal, regulatory codes, and psychiatric policies.
• Uses correct resources for clarification of policies/procedures
• Maintains all mandatory continuing education classes
• Participates in unit based activities that have a positive impact on unit practice (e.g., collaborates with licensed staff on in-service presentations, policy development task force, etc.)
• Identifies areas in performance needing improvement as evidenced by ongoing communication with supervisor
• Accepts constructive criticism and responds by implementing corrective action
• Meets personnel policy guidelines for punctuality as evidenced by time keeping records and as observed by supervisor.

Qualifications

Years of Experience: Minimum two (2) years prior experience preferred in Psychiatry and or related field preferred, working with specialized populations such as emotionally disturbed adults, adolescents and or children and families

Language Skills: Proficient in English both verbally and written

Education Requirements: High School Diploma

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VPNE is an equal opportunity at will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.