Patient Safety Observer, Nursing Administration- Per Diem

UMass Memorial Health; Southbridge (MA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 29,150; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Potential signing bonus

Paid weekly

Job summary

UMass Memorial Health in Southbridge is seeking a Patient Safety Observer to ensure the safety and comfort of assigned patients. Responsibilities include monitoring patient behavior and assisting with daily living activities, documenting care provided, and communicating with nursing staff.

The role requires a high school diploma and CPR certification within six months of hiring. Ideal candidates will have previous healthcare experience and strong observation and communication skills, working primarily in a mixed shift schedule.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• CPR Certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Previous healthcare experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous safety observation of assigned patients.
• Monitor suicidal and/or violent behavior consistently.
• Maintain documentation of patient checks.
• Support patients in daily living activities when necessary.

Skills

Human relations skills

Observation skills

Empathetic attitude

Communication skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

CPR Certification within 6 months of hire

Job description

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hiring Range: $15.00 - $21.16

Please note that the final offer may vary within this range based on a candidate's experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.

Schedule Details: Monday through Friday, Weekends (Saturday and Sunday)

Scheduled Hours: varies

Shift: 4 - Mixed Shift, 8 Hours (United States of America)

Hours: 0

Cost Center: 25080 - 0152 MS & ED Patient Observers

This position may have a signing bonus available; a member of the Recruitment Team will confirm eligibility during the interview process.

The Patient Safety Observer is responsible for providing continuous safety observation of patients to whom they are assigned. The primary function in this role is to ensure patient safety and comfort. As part of the care team the Patient Safety Observer may be asked to support patients with their activities of daily living, including, but not limited to, ambulating, feeding, and repositioning patients as directed by nursing. The Patient Safety Observer may engage with patients if appropriate and can use casual talk, sensory box including cards, coloring books, and games. All care is to be documented and communicated through reports with the designated staff member. All issues or concerns are to be reported immediately to the licensed clinical charge person.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain good human relations skills. Introduce self by name to the patient and engage in eye contact. Consistently display a respectful, empathetic and caring attitude toward both patients and their family members.
• Consistently observe for suicidal and/or violent behavior. Stay in close proximity of the patient and keep them in the visual field at all times. Ensure patient safety at all times including while in the bathroom and when transported to other departments.
• Monitor visitors to ensure no unsafe materials are shared with the patient (weapons, illicit drugs, sharps).
• Maintain 15‑minute checks with documentation unless otherwise directed.
• Patient Safety Observers can monitor more than one patient if deemed appropriate by the licensed staff in charge.
• Follow the directions of the nurse in charge.
• May transport patients if directed by the licensed staff in charge.
• When not observing a patient the Patient Safety Observer can be used for other ancillary activities as directed by the nursing supervisor (making beds in the ED, stocking, assisting with transporting patients).
• Function in a float position and be assigned to the areas with patient needs.
• Maintain patient dignity at all times and advocate for the patient.

Qualifications

License/Certification/Education

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• CPR Certification within 6 months of hire.

Experience/Skills

• Previous position held in a healthcare setting preferred.

Unless certification, licensure or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed in this description may be substituted for the above requirements.

Physical Demands

• Stand – 1/3 to 2/3.
• Walk – 1/3 to 2/3.
• Sit – 2/3.
• Talk or hear – 2/3.
• Uses hands to finger, handle or feel – 2/3.
• Push/pull – 1/3 to 2/3.
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl – 1/3 to 2/3.
• Reach with hands and arms – 2/3.

Weight Lifting

• Up to 10 pounds – 2/3.
• Up to 25 pounds – 2/3.
• Up to 50 pounds – 2/3.
• Up to 100 pounds – 2/3.
• More than 100 pounds – 2/3.

Environmental Conditions

• Wet, humid conditions (non-weather) – 1/3 to 2/3.
• Work near moving mechanical parts – 2/3.
• Risk of radiation – Up to 1/3.
• Infectious Diseases – 1/3 to 2/3.
• Physical +/or Verbal Abusiveness – 2/3.
• Rotating Shifts – Up to 1/3.
• PPE when indicated – 1/3 to 2/3.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [e-mail]. We will make every effort to respond to your request for disability assistance as soon as possible.