Nursing Assistant - Safety Observation Technician

Safety Observation Technician

The Safety Observation Technician (SOT) is under the supervision of the Nursing Officer of the Day (NOD), who directly reports to the Nurse Manager (NM) of Nursing Operations for NOD and Care Coordination Integrated Case Management (CC-ICM). The incumbent will observe the patient for safety, areas of comfort, and requests of the patient. The Safety Observation Technician will work 24/7. He/she will maintain equipment and supplies, check for defects, and notify supervisor when equipment is not functioning. The incumbent will remove defective equipment; report hazards, observe safety regulations, adheres to infection control policies, and utilize proper aseptic technique in performance of duties. He/she will participate in the quality improvement program by collecting data specific to patient safety monitoring i.e., validation of alarms, confirmation that patient has been correctly placed on Care View Tele-Sitter monitor and assists with data analysis and interpretation as requested. Additional duties include, but are not limited to:

• The incumbent SOT will be required to pass competency prior to assuming the role, and then every 6 months thereafter.
• Auditory: must be able to hear to clearly communicate with others and use communication devices such as telephones, must be able to hear patients, alarms, call bells, etc.
• Accountability will be monitored through direct observations; achievement of team service goals including satisfaction, quality, and financial outcomes; and performance improvement activities.
• Demonstrates population-specific competencies (e.g., age-specific, cultural sensitivity, patient-centered communication, and fall risk Veterans) in performance of role.
• Provide a timely shift report to oncoming SOT to review observed behaviors, communicate potential safety risks, and any activation of the STAT Alarm System.
• Activation of STAT Safety Alert Alarm when needed.
• Informs NOD supervisor and primary nurse of safety risk trends.
• Informs NOD, who in turn informs the Nurse Manager of both the unit and their direct NM of safety risk trends.
• Communicates with direct patient care team potential safety risks.

Work Schedule: Day and Evenings available, with rotating nights and weekends.

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).