Responsibilities:
- The Patient Care Observer is responsible for providing nursing care to patients under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse.
- Responds to changes in rules, task, and assignments to fulfill the needs of the job. Demonstrates understanding of patient safety and provides a safe environment.
- Acts as Patient Care Observer by providing constant observation and intervenes for patient safety
- Provides redirection and orientation to patient as needed; Utilizes appropriate de-escalation techniques; Maintains a calm and peaceful environment; Communicates in a non-threatening, non aggressive manner
- Sits in close proximity to patient(s) to be able to intervene as needed
- Demonstrates a clear understanding of the presenting clinical scenario and responds appropriately
- Notifies RN of any concerns for patient. Under direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse, assists in providing optimal health care to patients.
- Provides basic patient care including, but not limited to: Ambulation; Transfer; Assistance with meals & feeding; Accompanies patient to and from procedural areas; always Maintains patient privacy and dignity.
- Actively participates in hand-off when arriving to or leaving patient’s bedside
- Receives or gives important information to oncoming or off-going team members
- Asks questions to clarify information
- Accurately and thoroughly completes appropriate Constant Observation forms. Provides excellent service to patient, family, visitors, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
- Maintains a good working relationship with all departments and works with other departments to meet the needs of the patient/family.
- Works with assigned patients under the direction of the RN to accomplish positive patient outcomes.
- Communicates significant problems or changes to the directing RN.
- Refrains from being critical about others and utilizes effective communication skills and lines of communication.
- Works with co-workers to identify needs and improve service.
- Establishes and maintains a trusting and therapeutic relationship with patients and families which respect and value the diverse interests and requirements of each patient.
- Demonstrates a clear understanding and responsibility for practice issues within the scope of the Patient Care Observer.
- If there are no PCO assignments, may be asked to assist with Helping hands duties and rounding.
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Qualifications:
Education Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- High School Diploma or GED. Experience may be considered in lieu of education.
Experience
- Direct patient care experience preferred, but not required for employment.
Certification and Licensure
- BLS Certification
- Crisis Intervention Course
Required Skills
- Excellent Communications Skills
- Excellent Interpersonal Skills
Why Reading Hospital?
- 2025 America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award
- Recipient of Excellence Award: Stroke Care, Neurosciences, Pulmonary Care, and Critical Care
- Magnet Status
- Level 1 Trauma Center
- Ranked Among Top Ten Hospitals in Pennsylvania
- 5-Star Rating for Overall Hospital Quality
- Vizient Graduate Nurse Residency Program for all new RN grads
Discover why our hospital is a great place to work—take a virtual tour of our facility here: Reading Hospital Virtual Tour
Overview:
Tower Health is a regional healthcare system serving communities across multiple counties in Pennsylvania. Its network includes Reading Hospital, Phoenixville Hospital, Pottstown Hospital, and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children (in partnership with Drexel University). Committed to academic medicine and training, Tower Health offers various programs, including residency and fellowship programs, the Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health, and the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences. Additionally, the system provides a wide range of healthcare services, such as Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing, home healthcare via Tower Health at Home, TowerDirect ambulance and emergency response, Tower Health Medical Group, Tower Health Providers (a clinically integrated network), and Tower Health Urgent Care facilities across its service area.