Virtual Monitor Technician - Medical Observer

Patient Safety Technician

Northeast Georgia Health System is rooted in a foundation of improving the health of our communities.

About the Role:

The position is responsible for observation of the patient to promote and protect the patient's safety. This can be done virtually or in person. This position identifies safety concerns, documents safety-related observations and communicates information regarding the patient's safety to the nursing staff. This position intervenes when there is a potential or actual threat to patient safety. Observation is provided for adolescents, adults and geriatric age groups.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: AHA BLS certification required within 30 days of hire
• Educational Requirements: High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum Experience:
• On the job training will be scheduled by Department.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Preferred Licensure or other certifications:
• Preferred Educational Requirements:
• One (1) year of relevant clinical experience in a health care setting.
• Other:

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Effective interpersonal skills and communication skills
• Adaptable in changing situation and work assignments
• Demonstrated ability to monitor a patient at the bedside
• Able to accept direction from professional nursing staff and assists with patient care
• Physical ability to push/pull patients
• Ongoing competency to monitor a patient remotely from the Virtual Monitoring Unit

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Professional communication/demeanor: Interacts with patient on continuing basis in effort to establish a trusting relationship and learn pertinent information to keep the patient safe. Communicates with patients, family members, and staff in a polite and courteous manner. Receives handoff communication from Patient Safety Technician at start of shift and provides handoff communication to oncoming Patient Safety Technician for the upcoming shift. Remains professionally detached: does not talk about oneself, one's thoughts or one's feelings when on assignment. Does not offer advice or counseling. Notifies nursing staff immediately at any time assistance is needed for the care of the patient.
• Patient Safety: The Patient Safety Technician is committed to the highest standards of patient safety. The Patient Safety Technician will demonstrate the following procedures to ensure the patient received the highest level of patient care and service. Providing continuous observation of the patient, either at the bedside or visualization through the virtual monitoring system, and does not leave them unattended, even when visitors are present. Demonstrates an understanding of practices to maximize patient safety, employ interventions, and interact with patient to increase engagement and redirect behavior through diversional or recreational activities. Confirms need to initiate or discontinue virtual monitoring or bedside monitoring with shift primary nurse. Does not interrupt patient visualization until relieved by a qualified replacement. Identifying the specific safety risk(s) for which the patient is being monitored. Providing a safe patient environment (i.e. bed alarm on when appropriate, call light within reach, side rails up, etc.). Surveys the patient environment for items that could pose a potential safety risk to the patient. Recognizing changes in the patient's behavior or demeanor that indicate increase risk for an adverse safety event and escalates concerns.Identifies family/visitors who may pose a threat to the patient's safety or who bring in items that may pose a safety threat. Never allows family members or friends to bring in items from outside (including food) for patients without going through the nursing staff.
• Observations and Reporting: Observes and reports any suicidal/homicidal gestures/threats or changes in behavior to the licensed staff caring for the patient immediately. Maintains continual direct visualization of the patient either at the bedside or visualization through the virtual monitoring system. Effectively hand off to next shift, ensuring pertinent information is shared during this time. Remains alert, adaptable, able to exercise good judgement, and patient focused. Does not make personal calls, text, or use email except during break time. Remains within constant eye contact of the patient at all times. Observes and reports any observed changes in patient's status to appropriate member of the healthcare team.
• Documentation: Ability to accurately document observations and interventions in a timely manner. Maintains the required documentation/flowsheet that pertains to the patient's condition and reason for the observation. Documents observations and interventions by computer, handwritten or verbal communication.
• Teamwork: The Patient Monitor Technician is expected to participate as a member of the nursing team, sharing mutual goals and a common mission. The Patient Monitor Technician will demonstrate respectful and cooperative relationships in fulfilling the goals and mission of NGHS Health System and this role. Demonstrates a willingness and ability to learn basic personal cares performed in collaboration with nursing staff. Assist patient's care team with ambulation as directed.Assist patient's care team with repositioning and linen changes.Assist PCT and RN with personal hygiene. Assist PCT and RN to get patient to bathroom, bedside commode, or bedpan. Assist patient's care team with setting up meal tray when appropriate. If patient is 1:1 feed, the nursing staff will assist the patient.
• Department Specific Functions: Maintains order and function of Virtual Monitoring Unit and equipment. Reports equipment issues promptly to the lead patient safety technician. Participates in staff meeting with no more than two absences per year. Exhibits flexibility in scheduling to meet department staffing needs. Completes unit specific & annual competency assessment requirements within the specific timelines.

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 50 lbs, Frequently 31-65 % of time
• Weight Carried: Up to 20 lbs, Frequently 31-65 % of time
• Vision: Heavy, Constantly 66-100%
• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Frequently 31-65 % of time
• Standing/Walking: Frequently 31-65 % of time
• Pushing/Pulling: Frequently 31-65 % of time
• Intensity of Work: Frequently 31-65 % of time
• Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding

Working at NGHS means being part of something special: a team invested in you as a person, an employee, and in helping you reach your goals.

NGHS: Opportunities start here.

Northeast Georgia Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.