Patient Observer - 24hrs/Night Shift

About Us

With energy and purpose, Cooley Dickinson Health Care, a member of the Mass General Brigham system, is advancing health care in western Massachusetts, and has been since 1886. Our network employs more than 2,000 medical professionals and support staff, at our main Hospital campus in Northampton and additional locations in twelve towns throughout the Pioneer Valley. Cooley Dickinson's VNA & Hospice is also a vital part of our network, providing home-based services throughout Hampshire and Franklin counties.

Accolades and Recognition:

Our staff has been consistently recognized for the quality of care and commitment to patient safety provided on a daily basis. Some of these awards include:

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 5-star rating

• The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) Beacon Award for Excellence

• Human Rights Campaign Foundation LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader designation

• The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) awarded a Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA)

• Baby-Friendly USA designated Baby-Friendly Hospital

• Newsweek Magazine and Statista named us one of the country's Best Maternity Hospital

• Cooley Dickinson has earned six consecutive 'A' Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade and the Top General Hospital award

Our Benefits:

In addition to competitive pay, all Cooley Dickinson employees who work 20 hours or more per week have access to the following benefits with no waiting period:

• A range of health, dental, vision, prescription and life insurance benefit

• A generous and flexible Earned Time Off program starting at six weeks accrual per year

• 403(b) retirement plan with various investment option

• Opportunities and support for continued education including tuition reimbursement

Job Responsibilities:

The Patient Care Observer is responsible for remaining in constant attendance with an assigned patient to help maintain the patient's safety under the direction of the unit's Shift Charge Nurse.

This position is part of the 1199SEIU Bargaining Unit at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

This position reports to the Nurse Manager and operates within established organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

Perform the following tasks as necessary to maintain patient comfort and safety:

• Falls prevention.
• Assist to place patient's extremities back into bed as needed.
• Remove clutter or items within patient's reach.
• Offer assistance with toileting.
• Assist patient with ambulation (uses assistive devices as appropriate).
• Offer food and fluids.
• Assist with turning and repositioning while maintaining patient privacy and dignity
• Recognize when/how to call for help.
• Accompany transport personnel with the patient if transport is necessary.
• Interact with patient as directed by the patient's nurse. Activities may include reading or talking to the patient, or playing cards.
• Document patient status and interactions on required form per hospital policy.

Perform the following responsibilities with assistance from a trained member of the healthcare team:

• Application and ongoing assessment of restraints (if restraints are in use, PCO will notify healthcare team if restraint become too loose or too tight or if patient requires further help).
• Use of lift equipment.
• Feeding patient with high risk of aspiration.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Ability to communicate with children and /or adults required
• AVADE certification required within 6 months
• Experience working in a clinical environment preferred
• American Heart Association BLS certification required within 30 days of hire

EEO Statement

It is the policy of Cooley Dickinson Health Care to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Cooley Dickinson Health Care will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Cooley Dickinson Health Care embraces diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, and encourages people of color, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ candidates, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply.