Under supervision of the registered nurse or designee, performs tasks and direct observations of patients and colleagues to minimize safety risks in the patient care environment and/or overall organization.  

Education:

• GED/high school diploma preferred.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Interpersonal and communication skills.
• Attention to detail
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Maintains the safety and security of patients at high risk for safety events.

• Provides continuous observation and documentation for patients at risk for self-harm, elopement, or injury, as delegated by the RN. These include patients that are suicidal, high fall risk, exhibiting threatening behaviors or experiencing symptoms of dementia or confusion, etc. Under no circumstances is a patient on continuous observation to be left unattended. Visual contact at all times must be maintained.
• Calls out for assistance and/or utilizes call light for assistance in de-escalating patient and addressing at-risk behaviors. Instructs patient to remain in bed or chair at all times until assistance arrives.
• Observes and reports unusual conditions and/or change in patient behavior or appearance to the RN.
• Follows safety checklists as appropriate and assists with ensuring an ongoing safe environment for a patient on continuous observation.
• Assists with documenting adherence to safety checks as directed by the RN.

1. Enforces adherence to infection prevention precautions for patients, colleagues, and visitors.

• Follows hospital policies to prevent the transmission of infections.
• Sets up patient room with appropriate signage and PPE supplies.
• Observes donning and doffing of PPE for all personnel entering and exiting the patient room.
• Maintain record of all colleagues entering and exiting the patient room.
• Assures equipment is cleaned and maintained per policy between patient encounters.
• Assists with coordinating movement of a COVID-19 positive or presumptive positive patient.

1. Promotes efficient and effective functioning of the unit/hospital.

• Complies with established policies, procedures, standards and guidelines.
• Meets punctuality and attendance expectations.
• Uses designated lines of communication and authority.
• Cooperates with all members of the healthcare team.
• Interacts with patient/visitors and others in a courteous and respectful manner.
• May serve as an entrance screener or in other safety-related roles as directed by supervisor.

1. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.