ED Observation Assistant, 24 Hours, Days

UMass Memorial Health•Worcester, MA

1d•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 role provides constant observation or scheduled safety checks, monitors and documents patient behavior, and reports changes or potential safety concerns to the assigned nurse. The assistant also supports patients with activities and procedures, uses calming and de-escalation techniques, and participates in restraint procedures only as directed and in accordance with training and policy. Additional duties include checking patient rooms and the environment for hazards, removing items that may pose a safety risk, providing handoff communication, maintaining supplies and work areas, transporting patients or equipment, and performing light clerical tasks. The position works indoors in a patient care environment and requires continuous visual and auditory monitoring of patient activity, as well as rapid physical responses to unsafe movements. This is a 24-hour-per-week, non-exempt position with a day shift schedule of 7 a.m.–3 p.m. The schedule includes every other weekend and every other holiday. The listed hiring range is $18.20–$24.45 based on a 40-hour schedule; compensation for part-time or reduced schedules is prorated. A signing bonus may be available, with eligibility confirmed during the interview process.

Requirements

High school diploma 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 and communication skills.
Ability to remain calm under stress or in emergency situations.
Ability to assist with the physical restraint of disturbed patients.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in patient care, mental health or intellectual disabilities, teaching or child care, work 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 could pose safety risks, and secure belongings according to unit policy.
Monitor assigned patients and complete safety checks at required intervals.
Escort and supervise patients in the bathroom according to their level of care; assist with meals and provide comfort and de-escalation using sensory or distraction techniques as needed.
Attempt to prevent unsafe patient movements and actions, intervening appropriately within the role’s scope.
Notify the nurse about changes in patient activity, mood, or behavior, medication requests, and situations requiring assistance.
Reinforce safety precautions and fall prevention, redirect patients from equipment, and respond to prevent equipment dislodgement.
Use de-escalation techniques and, if they are unsuccessful, 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 throughout the shift.
Inform the RN if a patient’s family members or visitors are contributing to escalating behavior.
Check patient rooms and the surrounding environment for safety hazards and remove potentially harmful items at the beginning of each shift and between room discharges.
Check for and address hazards such as unsecured equipment, doors, and windows; report environmental concerns 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 supporting patient care and department operations, including engaging patients in therapeutic or calming activities as directed by nursing staff.
Keep the work area neat and orderly, stock carts and supplies, and transport patients or equipment.
Answer telephones, take messages, and perform assigned light clerical tasks 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 and training; apply quality improvement practices; and comply with health and safety requirements.
Demonstrate respect for diverse views and contribute to a professional, tolerant, civil, and accepting environment.
Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance and perform other similar duties as required or directed.