Patient Observer - Inpatient Behavioral Health

Posted:
2/24/2026, 4:00:00 PM

Location(s):
Massachusetts, United States ⋅ Northampton, Massachusetts, United States

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Medical, Clinical & Veterinary

Site: Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Inc.


 

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.


 

With energy and purpose, Cooley Dickinson Health Care, a member of the Mass General Brigham system, is advancing health care in western Massachusetts, and has been since 1886. Our network employs more than 2,000 medical professionals and support staff, at our main Hospital campus in Northampton and additional locations in twelve towns throughout the Pioneer Valley. Cooley Dickinson’s VNA & Hospice is also a vital part of our network, providing home-based services throughout Hampshire and Franklin counties.


 

Job Summary

Summary
The Patient Care Observer is responsible for remaining in constant attendance with an assigned patient to help maintain the patient's safety under the direction of the unit's Shift Charge Nurse.

This position is part of the 1199SEIU Bargaining Unit at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

This position reports to the Nurse Manager and operates within established organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
Does this position require Patient Care? Yes
Essential Functions
Remain in constant attendance with assigned high risk patient until relieved by assigned member of the healthcare team.
-Maintain safety for patients with suicidal ideation.
-Obtain assistance from healthcare team with any restrained patient who needs attention or assistance.
-Immediately report any change in the patient’s condition to the patient’s nurse.
-Perform the following tasks as necessary under the direction of the assigned nurse to maintain patient comfort and safety:
• Falls prevention
• Assist to place patient’s extremities back into bed as needed
• Remove clutter or items within patient’s reach
• Offer assistance with toileting
• Assist patient to walk if independent in ambulation
• Offer food and fluids
• Assist health care team members with turning and repositioning while maintaining patient privacy and dignity
• Recognizes when/how to call 44 for help
-Accompany transport personnel with the patient if transport is necessary.
-Interact with patient as directed by the patient’s nurse. Activities may include reading or talking to the patient or playing cards.
-Document patient status and interactions on required form per hospital policy.
-Perform the following responsibilities with assistance from a trained member of the healthcare team:
• Application and ongoing assessment of restraints (if restraints are in use, PCO will notify healthcare team if restraint become too loose or too tight or if patient requires further help)
• Use of assistive devices
• Use of lift equipment
• Feeding patient with high risk of aspiration
-Maintain established hospital and departmental policies and procedures, objectives, confidentiality, quality improvement program, safety, compliance, infection control, and environmental standards.
-Maintain professional growth and development through attendance at seminars, workshops, conferences or in-services, professional affiliations, or journals to stay abreast of current trends in field of expertise.
-Meet annual competency and retraining requirements. Ensure staff meets annual competency and retraining requirements.
-Attend meetings as required.
-Perform other functions/duties as requested.


 

Qualifications

Education High School Diploma or Equivalent preferred Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No Licenses and Credentials Experience Experience working in a clinical environment preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Ability to communicate with children and /or adults required.


 

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Physical Requirements
  • Standing Frequently (34-66%)
  • Walking Frequently (34-66%)
  • Sitting Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)
  • Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs
  • Pushing Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Pulling Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
  • Balancing Frequently (34-66%)
  • Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Crouching Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
  • Reaching Frequently (34-66%)
  • Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%)
  • Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)
  • Feeling Constantly (67-100%)
  • Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)
  • Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%)
  • Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%)
  • Talking Constantly (67-100%)
  • Hearing Constantly (67-100%)

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    Remote Type

    Onsite


     

    Work Location

    30 Locust Street


     

    Scheduled Weekly Hours

    0


     

    Employee Type

    Per Diem


     

    Work Shift

    Rotating (United States of America)


     

    Pay Range

    $18.10 - $25.16/Hourly


     

    Grade

    SC2C23


     

    At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth. We invite you to apply, and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.


     

    EEO Statement:

    1910 Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.


     

    Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

    At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.