ED Observation Assistant, 32 Hours, Nights

UMass Memorial Health•Worcester, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The ED Observation Assistant helps ensure the safety of patients identified as being at risk of injury to themselves or others. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) or provider, the assistant provides constant observation or scheduled safety checks, supports patients with daily needs, helps prevent unsafe behavior, and reports changes or concerns to nursing staff. The role also includes accompanying patients to procedures, documenting behavior and safety checks, maintaining a safe environment, and providing support duties for patient care and department operations. This is a 32-hour-per-week position scheduled from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. It includes one major summer holiday, one major winter holiday, and one full weekend per month. The role is non-exempt and is represented by SHARE (State Healthcare and Research Employees). The stated hiring range is $18.20–$24.45 based on a 40-hour schedule; compensation is prorated for reduced schedules and may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. A signing bonus may be available, with eligibility confirmed during the interview process.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Ability to complete de-escalation training.
Current Basic Life Support or Heart Saver certification.
Ability to read, write, and speak effectively in English, with good interpersonal skills.
Ability to remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
Ability to assist in the physical restraint of disturbed patients.
Ability to perform frequent rapid physical responses, including standing, walking, running, reaching, bending, lifting, and stooping.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in patient care, mental health or intellectual disabilities, teaching or child care, working with students with special needs, or public safety.

Responsibilities

Provide constant observation of high-risk patients as assigned by the designated RN.
Help patients undress, remove items that may pose safety risks, and secure personal belongings according to unit policy.
Monitor assigned patients and perform safety checks at required intervals.
Escort and supervise patients in the bathroom as appropriate to their level of care, assist with meals, and provide comfort.
Use sensory and distraction techniques to calm or redirect patients as needed.
Prevent unsafe patient movement and actions and intervene appropriately within the role's scope.
Notify the nurse of changes in patient activity, mood, or behavior, requests for medication, and situations requiring assistance.
Reinforce safety precautions and fall prevention, redirect patients from equipment, and respond to prevent patients from dislodging equipment.
Use de-escalation techniques and, if needed, participate in restraints under RN or physician direction and in accordance with training, policy, and education.
Receive a report from the RN on each assigned patient at the beginning of each shift.
Continuously monitor patients and report unsafe or escalating behavior to the assigned nurse.
Report concerns to the RN if family members or visitors appear to be contributing to escalating behavior.
Check the patient's environment and room for safety hazards and remove potentially harmful items at the beginning of each shift and between room discharges.
Check for and remedy hazardous conditions involving equipment, doors, and windows, and report issues that cannot be remedied to the RN.
Follow policies and procedures related to constant observation and patient safety.
Accompany patients to diagnostic or therapeutic procedures as directed by the RN or provider.
Document patient behavior and safety checks at required intervals and ensure documentation is placed in the patient's chart.
Provide thorough handoff communication to the oncoming Observation Assistant.
Perform duties supporting patient care and department operations, including maintaining an orderly work area, stocking carts and supplies, and transporting patients or equipment.
Answer telephones, take messages, and perform assigned light clerical duties such as filing.
Follow department and hospital policies and procedures, including infection control and fire safety, and complete required training and competency activities.
Attend meetings, conferences, or seminars as required or directed; apply quality improvement in daily work; comply with health and safety rules; demonstrate respect and professionalism; maintain reliable attendance; and perform other similar duties as required.