Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills, which promote a positive intra- and interdepartmental atmosphere by exerting the following skills: Immediately report patient status changes, patient/family concerns or unsafe conditions to patient•s nurse or unit leadership; Relay information/messages to appropriate person(s) in a timely manner; Demonstrate proficiency in the use of manual and automated communication systems; Provide input for the patient's plan of care; Direct questions and problems to appropriate person, recognizing the need to seek assistance when necessary; Provide emotional support to patients and significant others as needed.
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Observes patient at risk for safety which includes but is not limited to: Obtain report from Nurse and follow the plan of care; Provide individualized attention to the patient to promote a safe environment; Assist nursing staff with patient care needs such as ADLs; Observe patients during meals and help feed the patient when necessary; Help the patient with any physical movement necessary (for example: in/out of the bed, stand up, walk, use the bathroom, take a shower, etc.); Notify patient's nurse of any adverse clinical changes (for example: different symptoms, abnormal gait, abnormal vital signs) and/or noncompliant behaviors (agitated, combative, demented, etc.); Document as needed on the Sitter Documentation Log
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Observes patients at risk for suicide, as described in the Suicide Precaution for At Risk Patients policy (PR-NSG-2011-61) which includes but is not limited to: Obtain report from Nurse and follow the plan of care; Perform an environmental search as outlined in Policy (PRN-NSG-2011-61); Keep the patient within arm's reach at all times including bathroom and off department activities; Document as needed on the Sitter Documentation Log; Perform an environmental search at any opportunity whereby contraband can be introduced into the patient's room and document on the Documentation Log (for example: after visitors or time outside patient room); Observe patients during meals and ensure all tableware and dinnerware used by the patient are taken out of patient's room; Communicate with incoming staff (lab, maintenance, dietary,etc.) that additional precaution is necessary; Assist nursing staff with patient care needs such as ADLs; Leave any non-essential equipment outside room and remove any equipment/supplies used or unused immediately upon leaving; Notify patient's nurse of any adverse clinical changes (for example: different symptoms, abnormal gait, abnormal vital signs) and/or noncompliant behaviors (for example: closing door, opening window, refusal to return tableware, attempting to leave observed area); Provide end of shift report to next shift sitter and patient's nurse.
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