Patient Safety Observer - Per Diem (BMC Brighton)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Pharmacy benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts

403(b) savings matches

Earned time cash out

Paid time off

Career advancement opportunities

Wellbeing resources

Job summary

Boston Medical Center is seeking a part-time, per diem Patient Safety Observer (One to One Sitter) to provide continuous one-to-one observation for patients at risk of self-harm. The role requires close supervision, swift reporting to RNs, and careful handling of restraints and safety checks within the Brighton unit.

The position emphasizes patient dignity, timely communication, and safe intervention in emergencies, with qualifications including a high school diploma and active BLS certification

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in English; able to lift, transfer and move patients.
• Must obtain an active BLS certification from American Heart Association by start date.
• Successful completion of 1:1 observation class.

Responsibilities

• Maintain arm's length supervision of patient at all times.
• Visually monitor patient continuously and accompany to bathrooms or tests.
• Report significant changes in behavior or verbalizations to RN immediately.
• Intervene safely in emergencies and report/coordinate with staff as needed.
• Document safety checks and ensure restraints are checked regularly.

Skills

Verbal communication

Observation skills

Patient safety awareness

Mobility assistance

Education

High school diploma

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Patient Safety Observer (One To One Sitter) performs one to one observation with patients admitted for an attempted suicide, with patients considered actively suicidal and on all patients who may harm themselves or for other safety reasons. Supervised and/or reportable to the following: - Resource Manager Position: Patient Safety Observer- Per Diem Department: Safe Sitter Schedule: Part Time, Per Diem Location: BMC Brighton

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES

• Must be within arms 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.
• Assist patient with Activities of daily living (ADLS).
• 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: The behaviors/verbalizations and 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. if restraints need adjustment.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalency.
• Minimum Skills and Abilities: Able to communicate verbally and in writing in the English Language. Able to lift, transfer and move patients.
• Required Certifications: Must obtain an active BLS certification from American Heart Association by the time of start.
• Training: Successful completion of 1:1 observation class.

Compensation Range

$16.29- $24.21 This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications.

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

Boston Medical Center is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. We ensure equal employment opportunities for all, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression or any other non-job-related characteristic.