Continuous Observer-PerDiem-Days

Position Title:  Continuous Observer                                                Position Code:  ContObs-_____

Department:  Nursing Division                                                         Oracle Title:  Click here to enter text.

Reports to:  Department/Unit Manager                                             Safety Sensitive:  ☒  Yes      ☐  No

Exempt Status:    ☐  Yes      ☒  No

Position Purpose:

All KHI employees are expected to perform their respective tasks and duties in such a way that supports KHI’s vision to be among the kindest, highest quality health systems in the country.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direction of a registered nurse (RN), provide continuous visual and proximal contact with the patient(s), including but not limited to in-room observation, provision of basic comfort services, maintaining a safe environment, accompanying patient during transportation for tests/procedures, and documentation on appropriate forms.

Patient and Family Experience

• Provide constant one-on-one observation to patients who are confused, at risk for causing injury to themselves or others, or exhibit behavior that is unpredictable or difficult to manage.
• In compliance with training, policy, and procedure, assist with responding to the needs of patients promptly, including politely requesting assistance of appropriate staff.
• Setting up trays; assisting with feeding patients.
• Lifting and assisting patients out of bed and walking as needed.
• Respect Patient Rights, privacy and dignity as much as can be safely accommodated.

Patient Safety 

• Utilize interventions identified in training to support the maintenance of a safe, therapeutic environment with a focus on the prevention of self-harm and/or injury.
• Using the appropriate resources and processes, notify clinical staff of any change in patient status or appearance.
• Stay with patient at all times, even in the event of an emergency.
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation regarding patient behaviors and actions.
• Comply with all Federal, State, organizational, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Complete and stay up-to-date on mobility training including all Health Stream modules and any other training/orientation as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support overall effectiveness of department and organization.

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years old

Education:  N/A

Experience:  N/A

Certification:  Basic Life Support through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association

License:  N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• The ability to follow directions, written and verbal.
• Verbal skills, hearing, sight and manual dexterity required.
• Must be comfortable working with a diverse population and communicate with compassion.

Preferences

Education:  High School graduate or GED preferred.

Experience:  Previous experience working in a healthcare or customer service setting.

Certification:  N/A

License:  N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: N/A

Special Position Requirements

Exposure Category I: Expected duties have routine potential for exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.

Other potential hazard(s): possible exposure to hostile individuals.

Work Requirements

• Able to communicate appropriately with a diverse population.
• Able to be exposed to patients with infectious diseases.
• Able to stand, walk, stretch, reach, and or bend for 3-5 hours per day.
• Able to assist with the movement of an adult patient weighing up to 300 lbs.
• Able to sit and focus on patient observation for long periods of time, including the entire shift.
• Able to see, hear, and work in a stressful environment.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: 

This job description applies to all KHI facilities and is representative of the essential job duties this position will perform. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Print Employee Name                                                 Employee Signature                                        Date

Date Staff Position Description Created / Revised:  10/23/2018; revised: 8/16/2023; 4/15/26