Patient Monitor - Med Surg

Job Description

At UC Health, we're proud to have the best and brightest teams and clinicians collaborating toward our common purpose: to advance healing and reduce suffering.

As the region's adult academic health system, we strive for innovation and provide world-class care for not only our community, but patients from all over the world. Join our team and you'll be able to develop your skills, grow your career, build relationships with your peers and patients, and help us be a source of hope for our friends and neighbors.

UC Health is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and diverse place of employment.

The primary responsibility of the Patient Monitor is to ensure patient safety by providing continuous visual observation and appropriate intervention. The Patient Monitor will also perform specific tasks under the supervision of the primary care giver.

Responsibilities

PATIENT POPULATION - (CLINICAL ONLY):

• Engages in population appropriate communication. Has knowledge of growth and development milestones and tasks. Gives clear instructions to patients/family regarding treatment. Involves family/guardian in the assessment, initial treatment and continuing care of the patient. Identifies any physical limitations of the patient and deploys intervention when necessary. Recognizes and responds appropriately to patients/families with behavioral health problems. Interprets population related data and plans care appropriately. Identifies and responds appropriately to different needs resulting from, unique psychological needs or those associated with religious / cultural norms. Performs treatments, administers medication or operates equipment safely. Recognizes and responds to signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect.

Safety:

• The Patient Monitor may not leave the patient unattended or move out of visual contact with the patient without obtaining relief from the patient's primary nurse. The Patient Monitor must take appropriate action to prevent or reduce the risk of harm to the patient (i.e., limit movement, stopping patient from removing CMU equipment, pulling out IV lines, catheters, etc.) The Patient Monitor must refer to the Suicide Risk policy when caring for a suicide risk patient. Provide handoff of care.

Activities Directed by the RN:

• Feed patient and report intake. Assist with/perform basic hygiene for patient. Assist with toileting. Assist with patient repositioning. Provide for the bedpan or urinal and report output. Ambulate patient. Change linens and tidy the room.

Physical Observations:

• The Patient Monitor will immediately notify RN of: Changes in the patient's appearance or behavior. Changes in skin color. Change in breathing pattern. Change in level of consciousness or responsiveness, agitation, combativeness, etc. Any behaviors that might represent increasing safety risks. The Patient Monitor must document patient observations and activities on the observation sheet every 15 minutes.

Collaboration:

• With the primary caregiver concerning patient observations, change in patient condition and plan of care for patient comfort and safety.

Self Development:

• Performance improvement, continuing education, in-service for conditions of employment (i.e. safety, CPR).

Qualifications

Minimum Required: High School Diploma or GED. | Preferred: State Tested Nurse Aid Certification. | BLS and annual training modules for patient monitors.