What are the responsibilities and job description for the Behavioral Safety Assistant II position at Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System?
Description
Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.
Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?
A member of the nursing team who provides continuous observation and surveillance of assigned patients. Observation and surveillance may be at the bedside or remotely via the iObserver software. This includes patients on suicide precautions and patients with compromised judgment pertaining to safety related to falls risk, interference with therapeutic equipment, patients who need companions due to state of confusion or agitation.
Provide continuous observation of patient by remote surveillance
Demonstrates understanding and proficiencyinthe use of the iObserver softwareincluding timely documentation of patient observations
Maintains visual observation at all times. Positions video to focus on patient and constant visual observation of the patient. Never leaves the patient alone or out of sight unless instructed.
Observes the patient’s environment for safety hazards and concerns. Provides patient with explanations as necessary without judgement.
Assists with patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction by communicating needs directly to the bedside team.
Verbally redirects patient over digital 2-way audio device that is in patient room. Immediately summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance. Reports to nurse any changes in patient condition or behavior.
During a patient or environmental emergency sounds notification alarm to notify nearby staff.
Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others. Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues. Assures patient environment safety. Seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to primary nurse.
Direct observation of patient:
Stays at the patient’s bedside and keeps the patient in their direct line of vision at all times. Personal activities such as reading, studying, crafts, and using personal social media devices (i.e. tablets, cell phones) are not permitted while on duty supervising patients.
Escorts patients with ambulatory privileges and stays with the patient at all times.
Assists patients to the bathroom and supervises the patient at all times, requests assistance as needed.
Interacts with the patient as appropriate to provide diversionary activities to engage the patient. This includes reading to the patient, working on a puzzle or similar activity with the patient, conversing with the patient, etc.
Assists with patient re-positioning and assists patient with bed/chair transfers.
Helps patient with general comfort needs.
Documents patient care in an accurate, professional and timely manner using paper documentation forms according to policy and procedure.
Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patients when arriving on the unit and completion of shift. Arranges meal break times with nurse and informs nurse prior to leaving patient bedside for any reason so that relief may be provided to ensure constant patient observation.
Other duties as assigned to support the unit, department, entity, and health system organization
Performsallduties in accordance with Penn Medicine and entity values, policies, and procedures
Performs duties in accordance with Penn Medicine and entity values, policies, and procedures
HS Diploma/GED required. 1 plus year previous training an/or experience in patient care environment preferred such as, medical, behavioral health or clinical assistant health technician, or patent safety. Ability to understand English. Able to communicate effectively with patients who may have altered mentation or situational awareness. Working knowledge of computer use.
We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.
Live Your Life's Work
We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.
Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.
Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?
A member of the nursing team who provides continuous observation and surveillance of assigned patients. Observation and surveillance may be at the bedside or remotely via the iObserver software. This includes patients on suicide precautions and patients with compromised judgment pertaining to safety related to falls risk, interference with therapeutic equipment, patients who need companions due to state of confusion or agitation.
Provide continuous observation of patient by remote surveillance
Demonstrates understanding and proficiencyinthe use of the iObserver softwareincluding timely documentation of patient observations
Maintains visual observation at all times. Positions video to focus on patient and constant visual observation of the patient. Never leaves the patient alone or out of sight unless instructed.
Observes the patient’s environment for safety hazards and concerns. Provides patient with explanations as necessary without judgement.
Assists with patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction by communicating needs directly to the bedside team.
Verbally redirects patient over digital 2-way audio device that is in patient room. Immediately summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance. Reports to nurse any changes in patient condition or behavior.
During a patient or environmental emergency sounds notification alarm to notify nearby staff.
Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others. Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues. Assures patient environment safety. Seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to primary nurse.
Direct observation of patient:
Stays at the patient’s bedside and keeps the patient in their direct line of vision at all times. Personal activities such as reading, studying, crafts, and using personal social media devices (i.e. tablets, cell phones) are not permitted while on duty supervising patients.
Escorts patients with ambulatory privileges and stays with the patient at all times.
Assists patients to the bathroom and supervises the patient at all times, requests assistance as needed.
Interacts with the patient as appropriate to provide diversionary activities to engage the patient. This includes reading to the patient, working on a puzzle or similar activity with the patient, conversing with the patient, etc.
Assists with patient re-positioning and assists patient with bed/chair transfers.
Helps patient with general comfort needs.
Documents patient care in an accurate, professional and timely manner using paper documentation forms according to policy and procedure.
Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patients when arriving on the unit and completion of shift. Arranges meal break times with nurse and informs nurse prior to leaving patient bedside for any reason so that relief may be provided to ensure constant patient observation.
Other duties as assigned to support the unit, department, entity, and health system organization
Performsallduties in accordance with Penn Medicine and entity values, policies, and procedures
Performs duties in accordance with Penn Medicine and entity values, policies, and procedures
HS Diploma/GED required. 1 plus year previous training an/or experience in patient care environment preferred such as, medical, behavioral health or clinical assistant health technician, or patent safety. Ability to understand English. Able to communicate effectively with patients who may have altered mentation or situational awareness. Working knowledge of computer use.
We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.
Live Your Life's Work
We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.