Patient Safety Observer - 36 hours, Days (BMC Brighton)

Boston Medical Center (BMC); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Medical Center (BMC) is seeking a Patient Safety Observer for the Safe Sitter department. This full-time position covers 36 hours weekly with 12-hour shifts from 7a to 7:30p and every other weekend, based at BMC Brighton.

The role requires vigilant observation, immediate reporting of changes in patient condition, and strict adherence to safety protocols. A high school diploma and active BLS certification are required, with related experience preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Active BLS certification from American Heart Association is required.
• Related work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain continuous observation of the patient and be within arm’s reach at all times.
• Monitor patient and report any changes to the assigned RN immediately.
• Ensure patient safety and prevent unsafe situations on the unit.
• Assist with patient mobility and accompany to tests as needed.
• Document safety checks and respond to emergencies per protocol.

Skills

English fluency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

BLS Certification

Job description

Position

Patient Safety Observer

Department

Safe Sitter

Schedule

Full Time, 36 hours:12 hours shifts 7a-7:30p, Every Other Weekend

Location

BMC Brighton

Essential Responsibilities / Duties

• Must be within arm’s length of the patient at all times, unless other‑wise directed by the charge RN.
• Must be able to visually monitor patient at all times.
• Must continuously observe and physically accompany patient to the bathrooms or
• when patient has to go off the unit for tests.
• Must make every effort to respect the dignity of the patient.
• May not leave the patient unattended for any period of time unless relieved by another staff member.
• If assistance is needed, the sitter must call out for help. If situation is not an emergency, sitter may use call night or telephone in room.
• Must maintain verbal contact with the patient while awake to provide ongoing monitoring of communication indicating suicidal thoughts, and observe for sudden changes in behavior, and other changes in behavior which may indicate suicide potential.
• Must report any significant changes in physical and mental status, such as sudden changes in behavior and/or verbalization suicidal thoughts and behavior to the assigned RN. immediately.
• Must report verbalizations and/or behaviors of; self-injury, harming others, self-harm or attempts to leave the hospital to the assigned RN. immediately.
• Demonstrates awareness of potentially hazardous items and informs all Medical Center personnel entering the patient's room to leave any hazardous items outside the room.
• Continuously monitors environment for potentially hazardous items and reports presence of hazardous items to assigned RN.
• Obtains assistance appropriately, according to situations:
• Demonstrates awareness of behaviors/verbalizations of patient issues that require reporting to the charge or assigned RN and immediacy of need to report this information.
• Manages emergency situations safely
• Reports emergency situations immediately and appropriately.
• Intervenes with patient appropriately.
• Responsibilities when patient is in restraints
• Performs safety checks by checking restrained extremities at least every 15 minutes for; restraint intact circulation, comfort, and body alignment
• Documents safety checks on the restraint observation and documentation record and/or medical/surgical flow sheet.
• Notifies charge RN. /Assigned RN of patient physical adjustment needed

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

Job Requirements

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education And Experience

• Related work experience preferred

Required Certifications

• Active BLS certification from American Heart Association

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to effectively speak, read and write using the English language

Compensation Range

$16.29- $24.21

This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, and licensure/certifications directly related to position requirements. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), contract increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, earned time cash out, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family wellbeing.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

According to the FTC, there has been a rise in employment offer scams. Our current job openings are listed on our website and applications are received only through our website. We do not ask or require downloads of any applications, or “apps” job offers are not extended over text messages or social media platforms. We do not ask individuals to purchase equipment for or prior to employment.