Job Description

LOCATION:  WICKENBURG, AZ

Wickenburg Community Hospital is a beautiful and sophisticated rural-access hospital located in Wickenburg, Arizona.  WCH is a 8-bed Emergency Department, 19-bed Acute department and many ancillary services.  We also have 3 Primary Care Clinics.  Here at WCH, we strive to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and care.  Join us today and let us be part of your success story.

We offer:

  • Full Benefits
  • PTO/Sick Leave
  • Wellness Benefits

Wickenburg Community Hospital is a non-profit organization and qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

General Description 

Under the supervision of an RN, the Patient Observer provides 1:1 or at times 1:2 observation of behavioral health patients; assists in the provision of a safe and clean environment; promotes the efficiency of the nursing team; and provides supervision during activities of daily living, but does not engage in direct patient care.

Essential Job Duties 

  • Obtains verbal report from the patient’s nurse to include information regarding the patient’s identified care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, as well as any special consideration (NPO, bed alarms, etc.).
  • Positions self at the entry to the patient’s room facing the patient. Never leaves the patient alone or out of sight. When a break is needed, will notify the nursing staff who will relieve you when they are able. Again, the patient is NEVER left alone.
  • Will coordinate breaks with nursing staff
  • Obtains instruction from nurse regarding ambulation limitations and course of action for redirection of patient if needed.
  • May not transport patient for testing and procedures off the unit but must accompany and remain within arm’s length of patient unless otherwise directed by the person performing the test or procedure.
  • Observant of the patient’s activity and behavior and communicates on a regular basis to the nurse. Receives direction from the nurse re: what to report, to whom, and how.
  • Accurately and legibly records data collected and notifies RN of any untoward events, i.e., behavioral changes, violent behavior, etc on the provided paper tool that will be scanned into the patient’s medical record.
  • Takes and successfully passes the CPI training course and attends CPI refresher every 18 months given by WCH.
  • Must return phone calls within one half hour of being notified of need for an observer even if you cannot observe at the time.
  • Must work at least 2 shifts a month if the organization requires an observer. A log will be kept of who was called and whether they responded.

Other (Non-Essential) Job Duties 

  • Applies principles of caring and healing in interactions with patients and families and with colleagues
  • Seeks and supports opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Offers consistent and visible support to team members
  • Complies with all hospital rules, regulations, and nursing standards
  • Verbalizes understanding and responsibilities during all emergency codes.
  • The assigned patient remains the observer’s PRIMARY responsibility at all times
  • Responsible for honest behavior in all matters. To the best of the employee’s knowledge and understanding, complies with all Federal and State laws and regulations
  • Maintains the privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information. Uses and discloses only that information which is necessary to perform the function of the job.
  • Performs related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications 

  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide a safe environment based on the age of the patients served
  • Must be familiar with “normal” behaviors within various age groups and recognize when the patient is deviating from the norm
  • Obtain CPR certification within 3 months of hire

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions 

  • Must be able to move freely and with ease as well as sit for long periods of time
  • Not allowed to utilize personal cell phones, tablets or other electronic devices while observing the patient.
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