VISUAL OBSERVATION STAFF (VOS) - (Casual Relief)

DEPARTMENT: Acute Care Unit (ACU)

REPORTS TO: ACU/CCU Director

JOB SUMMARY

Visually observe a patient who has been determined to have a psychosocial/physical safety or mental health status care need for constant observation. Alert nursing staff to any change in status or behavior that would indicate a need for a nursing assessment or intervention. Documents observations on flow sheets at regularly determined intervals. Assists with simple patient care needs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

High school graduate or equivalent preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Medical background or training preferred.

SKILLS

• Must possess a high degree of confidentiality in all matters with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Must be able to remain calm in highly stressful situations.
• Ability to be alert and able to observe for long periods without being distracted.
• Must possess excellent communication and listening skills.
• Must successfully complete required education for Visual Observation Staff to include behavior management, listening, and interventions, prior to functioning as VOS.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BLS (Heartsaver).

N-95 mask fitting required.

Crisis Prevention Institute certification within 6 months of hire.

• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Sits or stands while visually observing 1-2 patients for safety or 1:1 for suicidal patients for constant periods of time until relieved by assigned staff member.
• Ensures room is safe using safety “Room Safety Checklist-Suicide Precautions”, and ensures form is filled out for suicidal patients.
• Interacts with patients in a calm and compassionate fashion.
• May be assigned patients in any area of the hospital and may be moved at any time throughout the shift.
• Reports any physical or behavioral changes promptly to staff nurse responsible for the care of the patient.
• Interact verbally and/or listen to patients in a compassionate and respectful manner.
• Charts observations on the checklist.
• Alerts nursing staff to patient requests.
• Is aware of individual patient capabilities for self-harm, harm to others, or escape risks and interacts to keep patient safe by appropriate measures.
• Adhering to MD orders regarding restrictions to visitors and items patient is allowed in the room. If ordered, ensure that visitors leave all their personal items, including outerwear, outside of the room.
• Always maintain patient confidentiality.
• Is aware of HIPPA requirements and patient privacy needs for hygiene and steps out of room to allow nursing staff to perform cares (as appropriate).
• Keeps age specific differences in mind when observing or interacting with patients.
• Before leaving, ensures that the next shift arrives, and provides a brief report on patient needs and concerns.
• Maintains positive relationships with co-workers, other departments, MD’s, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including:
  • Replace nasal cannula or face mask. Oxygen flow should not be adjusted by VOS staff.
  • Set up meal trays and assist patients in obtaining food. VOS are not to directly feed patients.
  • Use basic bed controls, i.e. elevate HOB, and set bed alarm. Know restrictions for patients.
  • Keep the environment safe, clean and tidy.
  • Take steps to protect IV placement.
  • May ambulate per physician orders and guidance from assigned nurse or CNA. High fall risk patients may not be ambulated without the presence of a CNA, nurse.
  • Set patient up with supplies for basic hygiene such as washing face or brushing teeth.
• Behavioral Expectations based on the Planetree Values.