Patient Safety Companion

University of Maryland Medical System Corporation; Glen Burnie (MD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland Medical System Corporation seeks a dedicated Patient Observer for the Emergency Department to maintain patient safety through continuous monitoring and by supporting nursing staff. The role emphasizes attentiveness, compassion, and secure, comfortable care for patients and their families.

Responsibilities include observing patients, relaying information to nurses, guiding patients away from harm, and ensuring infection control and orderly rooms while assisting with routine

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; CPR certification required or obtained within 60 days.
• Healthcare experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides constant observation of assigned patients to maintain patient safety.
• Provides support to nursing staff via verbal handoffs and communication tools.
• Maintains calm, soft tone when communicating with patients.
• Redirects patients from engaging in risky or harmful behaviors.
• Summons nursing staff for assistance as needed.
• Monitors and prevents patient self-harm, falls, elopement, or distress.
• Maintains infection control practices and clean surroundings.
• Assists with transport and basic clerical duties.
• Demonstrates respectful, patient-centered care and teamwork.

Skills

Maturity

Independent work

Confidentiality

Reading & writing

Computer skills

Verbal communication

Teamwork

Documentation

Organizational skills

Stress management

Education

High School diploma or GED

CPR certification

Job description

Job Requirements

This job is intended to be a supportive role in the Emergency Department. Primary job duties will include maintainingadequate inventory levels in patient care areas, ensuring clean and organized work environments, and providing support to departmental operations which may include constant observation of a patient, transport between departments, and assisting with clerical duties.

Job Summary

Provides constant observation and support to patients who require close monitoring due to medical or behavioral reasons. Presence helps ensure the safety and well-being of these patients while they receive care. This role demands attentiveness, compassion, and a commitment to maintaining a secure and comfortable environment for the patient. Extends courtesy and support to patient's family/visitor.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provides continuous observation of assigned patients to maintain patient safety. Obtains verbal report from the patient’s nurse to include information regarding the patient’s identified care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, as well as any special consideration (NPO, bed alarms, etc.).
• Maintains a calm composure and a soft tone when communicating with the patient.
• Verbally redirects the patient from engaging in risky and harmful behaviors.
• Summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance through appropriate communication tools.
• Monitors and attempts to prevent patient from self-harm, falls, eloping, smoking, dislodging IV lines, O2 apparatus, catheters, and /or drains and dressings through calling for assist (call bed, personal alarm) and attempting to redirect with communication.
• Requests immediate assistance for noted changes in patient condition and/or disruptive behaviors.
• Initiates C.P.R. procedure as needed to ensure patient care and safety.
• Maintains infection control practices (standard precautions and isolation precautions).
• Maintains appearance and order of patient rooms and work areas.
• Engages the patient in diversional activities such as coloring and games as appropriate.
• Demonstrates respect for individuals, customer service, teamwork and collaboration:
• A. Models excellence in customer service behaviors. Identifies and acts on opportunities to respond to customer requirements. Acts to prevent potential customer complaints.
• B. Initiates and reports service recovery steps taken in response to customer concerns.
• C. Demonstrates the ability to monitor patients according to the age, culture, ethnicity, spirituality, and individual diagnostic needs of the persons served.
• D. Uses hand-off communication to convey appropriate clinical/patient information.
• E. Maintains confidentiality of patient information (HIPAA).
• F. Provides an inclusive environment for peers, orientees and students.
• G. Voices difference in opinion professionally through appropriate channels.
• Assists in ensuring patient safety.
• Assumes responsibility for attending required education and training.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience - Required

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED) required. CPR certification required or obtained within 60 days of hire.

Education & Experience - Preferred

• Previous healthcare experience preferred. Knowledge of proper body mechanics preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrates maturity, tact, judgment and sensitivity to people.
• Ability to function independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledgeable and supportive of patient and organizational confidentiality and related hospital policies.
• Ability to read and write required.
• Ability to learn and use computer systems.
• Utilizes effective communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Ability to respond to patient behavioral changes.
• Ability to organize work priorities, perform several duties simultaneously and function in stressful situations.
• Ability to work with others as a member of the healthcare team.
• Ability to complete documentation/forms related to observation of the patient.
• Demonstrates strong verbal communication skills and excellent organizational skills.