Constant Observer

The Constant Observer works under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to assist with general nursing care and patient monitoring as directed by the RN. The Constant Observer’s primary responsibility is to protect the patient from self-harm and assure safety needs by staying at the bedside. The Constant Observer functions include comfort and safety measures, patient monitoring, & communicating patient status to nursing staff. The Constant Observer is expected to maintain a clean, calm, therapeutic environment in order to promote patient safety. The Constant Observer is expected to care for all patient populations from infancy to geriatric.

 

 

1. Education:

a. High School diploma or equivalent preferred.

2. Licensure/Certification:

a. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) required within 3 months of hire

b. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention required within 6 months of hire

3. Work Experience:

a. None

 

 

1. Keep the patient safe by observing the patient at all times.

 

2. Record patient oral intake on a paper flow sheet, and report to nursing staff so it can be entered into the medical record.

 

3. If the patient leaves the floor for treatments or diagnostic testing, accompany the patient for the duration of the tests.

 

4. Activities of daily living will be provided by the bedside RN or CNA/UAP

 

5. Fosters and promotes teamwork within department and the organization as a whole.

 

6. Ability to recognize when to activate emergency measures to intervene due to patient’s unsafe activity.

 

7. Works to resolve conflicts constructively.

 

8. Ability to interact with patient to increase patient engagement and redirect behavior.

 

9. Ability to display a positive, courteous, and friendly attitude toward all contacts.

 

10. Knowledge of safety measures used during the monitoring of patient care.

 

11. Ability to work and communicate effectively with patients, family members, visitors, and co-workers.

 

12. Ability to accurately document observation interventions in a timely manner on the written record.

 

13. Maintain confidentiality of patient condition and circumstances.

 

14. Other duties as assigned.

 

 

1. Demonstrates support for organizational and departmental mission.

 

2. Supports and demonstrates knowledge of the Strategic Plan and the Hospital Key Initiatives.

 

3. Fosters and promotes teamwork within department and the organization as a whole.

 

4. Works to resolves conflicts constructively and in a timely manner.

 

5. Ability to communicate effectively and simply with every customer and co worker.

 

6. Ability to display a positive, courteous and friendly attitude toward all contacts.

 

7. Ability to build good relationships with others based upon a sustained effort of mutual support toward common goals.

 

8. Ability to exercise good judgment, reasoning and concentration to detail and to take personal accountability for all actions in carrying out job duties.

 

9. Is customer focused and committed to Quality and Process Improvement with a strong desire to provide service excellence.

 

10. Possesses and displays a strong knowledge and understanding of the standards of practice for their position including, if and when applicable, commensurate computer skills; population specific and general competencies; organizational skills, time and project management.

 

11. Possesses a vigorous and enthusiastic desire to learn and to grow both personally and professionally, and to improve one's skills in order to deliver the best possible care for our customers.

 

 

1. Direct patient contact, possible exposure to infections, communicable diseases, hazardous materials, and injury from performance of assigned duties.

 

2. Is subject to multiple sensory and environmental stressors.

3. Occasionally exposed to radiation and electromechanical hazards.

4. Works indoors in well-lighted environment.

5. May be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.