Patient-Patient Observer

VPNE Parking Solutions LLC; Lebanon (NH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

VPNE Parking Solutions LLC located in Lebanon, New Hampshire, is seeking a Patient Observer to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary treatment team. The role is crucial for providing patient safety and promoting learning adaptive coping strategies.

The ideal candidate will have prior experience in psychiatry, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a High School Diploma or equivalent. Responsibilities include maintaining a therapeutic environment, observing patients, and engaging in effective communication with the nursing team.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of prior experience in psychiatry or a related field.
• Ability to work with emotionally disturbed adults, adolescents, children, and families.
• Proficient in English, both verbally and written.

Responsibilities

• Assist nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic milieu for patient care.
• Provide continuous one‑to‑one observation for patient safety.
• Complete required documentation and maintain a clean patient environment.

Skills

English proficiency

Crisis management

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

Working collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team, the Patient Observer works under the direction of a Registered Nurse. The role involves participating in nursing interventions to provide patients with opportunities for learning adaptive coping strategies and maintaining safety as a one‑to‑one observer to prevent self‑harm.

Responsibilities

• Assist the nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic milieu to ensure safe care and treatment of patients.
• Provide continuous one‑to‑one observation to ensure safety and alert the nurse to any changes in the patient's physical or psychiatric condition.
• Remain with the patient at all times unless relieved for breaks, meals, and at the end of the shift, even when the patient appears to be sleeping, is in restraints, or is under the influence of medication.
• Initiate patient activities and social interactions in individual and group settings consistent with the nursing plan of care.
• Provide environmental and emotional safety for each patient through consistent limit setting, physical holding and restraining, and monitoring activities and interactions of visitors, under the direction of the Registered Nurse.
• Maintain a clean and safe patient environment.
• Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, provide individualized patient care to ensure the safety and dignity of the patient.
• Follow the patient care plan, preserving patients' safety, dignity, and autonomy.
• Observe and report behavioral responses to interventions.
• Collaborate with the primary nurse to assist the patient in undergoing testing and consultations in other areas of the hospital.
• In concert with the nurse, participate in teaching behavioral techniques such as relaxation and coping skills.
• Complete required documentation, including a 15‑minute observation form and Environmental Safety Checks sheet on non‑behavioral health units.
• Complete annual sitter competency evaluation.
• Complete non‑therapeutic functions under the direction of MD, PA, APRN, or RN.
• Demonstrate accountability and responsibility for actions, including managing patient problems such as aggression and crisis situations.
• Demonstrate reliable crisis‑management skills in new or unexpected situations.
• Demonstrate professional interpersonal skills with patients and coworkers.
• Relocate and rotate to meet patient care needs.
• Prioritize patient care to complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate compliance with legal, regulatory codes, and psychiatric policies.
• Use correct resources for clarification of policies and procedures.
• Maintain all mandatory continuing education classes.
• Participate in unit‑based activities that positively impact unit practice, such as collaborating with licensed staff on in‑service presentations and policy development.
• Identify areas in performance needing improvement, evidenced by ongoing communication with the supervisor.
• Accept constructive criticism and respond by implementing corrective action.
• Meet personnel policy guidelines for punctuality, as evidenced by time‑keeping records and observation by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years of prior experience in psychiatry or a related field, preferably working with specialized populations such as emotionally disturbed adults, adolescents, children, and families.
• Proficient in English, both verbally and written.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.

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.