ED Observation Assistant, 32 Hours, Nights

UMass Memorial Health•Worcester, MA

1d•$18 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The ED Observation Assistant supports patient care and department operations by helping 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, monitors patient behavior, responds appropriately to unsafe actions, and reports changes or concerns to nursing staff. The role also includes assisting with patient needs, using calming and de-escalation techniques, accompanying patients to procedures, documenting observations, and communicating handoffs. The assistant performs environmental safety checks, removes potentially harmful items, addresses hazards when possible, and reports concerns that cannot be remedied. Additional duties include maintaining and stocking the work area, transporting patients or equipment, answering telephones, taking messages, and completing light clerical tasks. The position requires work indoors in a patient care environment and frequent rapid physical responses to unsafe patient movements. This is a 32-hour-per-week position scheduled from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. The schedule includes one major summer holiday, one major winter holiday, and one full weekend per month. The listed hiring range is $18.20–$24.45 based on a 40-hour full-time 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 meet the physical demands of the role, including standing, walking, running, reaching, bending, lifting, and stooping, and continuously visually inspecting and audibly monitoring patient movements and activities.

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.
Assist patients with undressing, remove items that may pose safety risks, and secure personal belongings according to unit policy.
Monitor assigned patients and conduct safety checks at required intervals.
Escort and supervise patients in the bathroom as appropriate to their level of care; assist with meals and use sensory or distraction techniques to comfort and de-escalate patients as needed.
Attempt to prevent unsafe patient movement and actions, intervening appropriately within scope.
Notify the nurse of changes in patient activity, mood, or behavior, medication requests, and calls for assistance.
Reinforce safety precautions and fall prevention, redirect patients from equipment, and respond to prevent dislodging of equipment.
Use de-escalation techniques and, if unsuccessful, participate in restraints under RN or physician direction and in accordance with training and policy.
Receive a report from the RN for each assigned patient at the beginning of the shift.
Continuously monitor patients and report potentially unsafe or escalating behavior to the assigned nurse throughout the shift.
Report concerns to the RN if family members or visitors contribute to escalating behavior.
Perform environmental safety checks of the patient and room, removing potentially harmful items at the beginning of each shift and between room discharges.
Check for and remedy potentially hazardous situations involving equipment, doors, and windows; report environmental 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 chart.
Provide thorough handoff communication to the oncoming Observation Assistant.
Perform other duties that support patient care and department operations.
Engage patients in therapeutic or calming activities as directed by nursing staff.
Keep the work area neat and orderly; stock carts and supplies; transport patients or equipment.
Answer telephones, take messages, and complete assigned light clerical duties such as filing.
Follow department and hospital policies and procedures, including infection control and fire safety requirements, and complete required training and competency assessments.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, and objectives; attend required meetings, conferences, or seminars; and use quality improvement in daily operations.
Comply with health and safety regulations, demonstrate respect and professionalism toward employees, patients, and visitors, maintain reliable attendance, and perform other similar duties as required.