Patient Observation Assistant

Patient Safety Observer

Imagine a career at one of the nation's most advanced health networks.

Be part of an exceptional health care experience. Join the inspired, passionate team at Lehigh Valley Health Network, a nationally recognized, forward-thinking organization offering plenty of opportunity to do great work.

LVHN has been ranked among the "Best Hospitals" by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years. We're a Magnet(tm) Hospital, having been honored five times with the American Nurses Credentialing Center's prestigious distinction for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes in our Lehigh Valley region. Finally, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg, Lehigh Valley Hospital- Hazleton, and Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono each received an 'A' grade on the Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group in 2020, the highest grade in patient safety. These recognitions highlight LVHN's commitment to teamwork, compassion, and technology with an unrelenting focus on delivering the best health care possible every day.

Whether you're considering your next career move or your first, you should consider Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Summary

Participates in the collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues. Provides continuous observation or constant roving to observe and intervene when risky patient behaviors are identified. Communicates with the patients to deescalate tense situations, verbal communication with care team members, and documents in the patients electronic medical record in regular intervals. Performs or assists patients with ADL's, meals, and ambulates patients. Ensures that the patient environment is safe and reports any safety hazards to the nurse. Provides continuous, direct, one-to-one patient visual and audible observation of patients of all ages to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment.

Job Duties

Takes initiative in compassionately rendering services or responding to needs and interacts hospitably, cheerfully, and supportively with staff, patients, visitors, and work colleagues.

Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to be in medical distress or poses a threat, and escalates to assigned medical professionals.

Assists patient with ordering dietary tray and setting up of patient's meal tray and assists with basic positioning of patient.

Participates in hand-off of pertinent information / behavior about assigned patient when arriving on unit and upon completion of shift assignment.

Assists with patient wheelchair rides and / or ambulation if the patient is stable and gait has been previously determined safe.

Assists in completing specific direct patient care tasks.

Responds rapidly and thoroughly to emergencies, and special needs.

Provides continuous direct one-to-one patient observation.

Documents observations in the patient's electronic medical record in regular intervals.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be 18 years or older.

Ability to recognize and report data reflective of the patients' status and identify each patient's specific needs.

Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods.

Knowledge of the principles of growth and development through the life span.

Knowledge of department policies and procedures.

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification - State of Pennsylvania Upon Hire.

American Heart Association Basic Life Support - State of Pennsylvania within 30 Days.

Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED - State of Pennsylvania within 30 Days.

Preferred Qualifications

Successful completion of a Crisis Management Course.

Less than 1 year of experience in a healthcare setting.

Physical Demands

Lift and carry 40-50 lbs. Examples : Push / pull patients on bed, stretcher (requires 29 lbs. push force), lateral transfers up to 50 lbs. of the patient's weight. Frequent to continuous standing / walking. Patient transporters can walk 8-10 miles per shift.

• Patient care providers may be required to perform activities specific to their role including kneeling, bending, squatting and performing CPR.

Lehigh Valley Health Network is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with, and where applicable, in addition to federal, state and local employment regulations, Lehigh Valley Health Network will provide employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other such protected classes as may be defined by law. All personnel actions and programs will adhere to this policy. Personnel actions and programs include, but are not limited to recruitment, selection, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, educational programs and / or social activities.