Job Description

Department Overview

The Patient Safety Technician (PST) provides continuous care for patients at risk for injury due to delirium, changes in mental status, psychiatric or behavioral co-morbidities. Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the PST promotes a therapeutic environment for patients, while assisting with planning, implementing, monitoring, and documenting treatment activities of vulnerable patients in the inpatient setting through video monitoring and direct 1:1 patient care.

Function/Duties of Position

• Patient Care/Patient Safety Attendant (PSA): Per assignment of Registered Nurse, the employee provides care including but not limited to activities of daily living, diversional activities, collecting patient data, monitoring for symptoms of increased risk, assist with transportation, comfort measures, environmental safety, milieu observation, and assists with discharge of patient reinforcing assigned teaching.
• Behavior Intervention: Actively participates in providing a therapeutic milieu in order to engage patients in treatment. Participates in milieu safety inspections. Communicates with RN and other care team members regarding patient interactions, observations, and noticeable problems or changes in patient status. Uses therapeutic communication skills when interacting with patients and families. Provides physical, emotional, and protective care for patients consistent with treatment plan. Provides input around safety recommendations and interventions.
• Patient Video Monitoring: Demonstrates understanding and proficiency of the continuous video monitoring software. Maintains constant visual observation at all times. Verbally redirects patient over digital 2-way audio device located in a patient’s room. Notifies the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance, is exhibiting symptoms RN requests report of, or is at imminent risk of injury or distress. Documents interactions within the electronic health record.
• Communication: Communicates directly with Registered Nurses related to patient trends, advances, and deviations from the plan of care. Discusses patient care trajectory (improvement and/or decline) with the interdisciplinary team. Transfers knowledge in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) per policy.
• Miscellaneous: Collects and tracks daily data/metrics, understands and adheres to Daily Management Systems, and provides break coverage to in-house PSTs. Understands their role and complies with OHSU policies pertinent to this role:
• Clinical Violence Alerts and Clinical Violence Risk Assessment
• Code Green
• Continuous Video Monitoring for Patient Safety
• Hospital Holds for Treatment of Mental Illness
• Medical Hold for Non-Mental Health Patients
• Patient Personal Property
• Patient Safety Attendant, Policy and Procedure for Use of
• Pediatric Behavioral Health Safety Protocol
• Restraint and Seclusion, Use of
• Safety Searches
• Suicide risk screen and safety interventions in non-psychiatric settings

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Positions with in person patient care: BLS certificate within 30 days of hire or prior to independent practice, whichever comes first
• 1 year experience within the healthcare setting or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience
• Positions in Neurodiagnostics will require completion of LTM 100 course
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer skills and knowledge of medical terminology
• Demonstrated effective communication skills Demonstrated collaboration and team work skills Ability to sit for long periods of time

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in computer skills and knowledge of medical terminology.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills.
• Demonstrated collaboration and team work skills.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to bend, stoop, stand, and walk throughout shift.
• Oregon CNA license with CNA1 (Acute Care) Certification

Additional Details

• Variable schedule, every other weekend.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to bend, stoop, stand, and walk throughout shift.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu