PATIENT SAFETY TECH - SITTERS

North Oaks Health System - Hammond, LA

Full-time

Hammond, LA

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Patient Safety Technician performs basic patient monitoring activities under the supervision of a licensed nurse. The Patient Safety Technician provides one-on-one observation of selected patients for the purpose of maintaining patient safety.

Responsibilities

• Remains at bedside of assigned patient at all times unless relieved by an appropriate staff member.
• Never leave the patient unattended for any reason.
• Assists in calming and/or reorienting patient in cases of agitation or confusion.
• Removes visible hazards and/or broken equipment from immediate environment and reports as appropriate.
• Assists with keeping patient's room clean, safe and orderly.
• Maintains visual observations at all times. Position yourself so that you have a constant view of the patient.
• Accompanies patient when diagnostic testing is required.
• Immediately summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance or other nursing interventions or exhibits unusual behavior or verbalizations.
• Immediately reports any potentially dangerous behavior or concerning conversations to the nurse.
• Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patient when arriving on unit and upon completion of shift assignment.
• Arranges meal break times with nurse and informs nurse prior to leaving patient for any reason in order that relief is provided to ensure constant patient observation. Never leaves patient alone.
• Assists patient with setting up of patient's meal trays, feeding patient, basic positioning of patient, taking a ride in wheelchair and/or ambulation if patient is stable and gait has been previously determined safe by assigned staff nurse.
• Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others.
• Notifies clinical staff of patient safety issues. Assures patient's environment is safe.
• Seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to Charge Nurse.
• Engage patient with activity, if applicable (conversation, reading to patient, etc.)
• If restraints are in use, do not release without assistance from the nursing staff.
• If assisting a PEC or CEC patient, ensure proper protocols are followed regarding safety gowns and patient belongings.

Requirements

• High School or GED equivalent preferred.
• Must be able to communicate verbally with patients, visitors, and co-workers.