ED Observation Assistant, 24 Hours, Days

UMass Memorial Health•Worcester, MA

23h•$18 - $24•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, monitors patient behavior, supports patients with basic needs, and responds to unsafe behavior within the position’s scope and training. The role also performs duties supporting patient care and department operations, including maintaining the work area, transporting patients or equipment, and completing light clerical tasks. This is a 24-hour-per-week position scheduled for 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the day shift. The schedule includes every other weekend and every other holiday. The hiring range is $18.20–$24.45 based on a 40-hour full-time schedule; compensation is prorated for reduced schedules and varies with scheduled hours, 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.

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 assigned high-risk patients as directed by the designated RN.
Help patients undress, remove items that may pose a safety risk, and secure personal belongings according to unit policy.
Monitor patients and perform safety checks at required intervals for an assigned group of patients.
Escort and supervise patients in the bathroom according to their level of care; assist with meals and comfort; and use sensory or distraction techniques to de-escalate patients as needed.
Attempt to prevent unsafe patient movement or actions and intervene appropriately within scope.
Notify the nurse of changes in patient activity, mood, behavior, medication requests, or need for assistance.
Reinforce safety precautions and fall prevention, redirect patients from equipment, and intervene to prevent patients from dislodging equipment.
Use de-escalation techniques and, if 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 potentially unsafe or escalating behavior to the assigned nurse throughout the shift.
Inform the RN if family members or visitors appear to be contributing to escalating behavior.
Check the patient and room for environmental safety at the beginning of each shift and between room discharges, removing potentially harmful items.
Check for and remedy hazardous conditions involving equipment, doors, and windows; report environmental hazards that cannot be remedied to the assigned 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 that support 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 duties such as filing.
Follow department and hospital policies and procedures, including infection control and fire safety; complete required training and demonstrate competency and proficiency.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, and objectives; attend required meetings and training; use quality improvement in daily operations; comply with health and safety requirements; contribute to a respectful and professional environment; maintain reliable attendance; and perform other related duties as required or directed.