PATIENT OBSERVATION ASSISTANT (PART TIME)
About The Position
The Patient Observation Assistant provides continuous visual and audible observation of assigned patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) and unit manager. The role focuses on patient safety, supportive interaction, and promptly communicating changes in patient condition or behavior to nursing staff. The assistant remains at the patient’s bedside unless relieved by an appropriate staff member and accompanies patients to diagnostic testing as needed. The position also involves reporting observations, helping maintain a safe and orderly patient environment, assisting with calming or reorienting patients, and providing limited support with meals, positioning, wheelchair rides, or ambulation when approved as safe by the assigned nurse. The assistant responds to emergencies and special needs, follows department and hospital procedures, preserves confidentiality, and participates in handoffs and required education.
Requirements
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Previous related experience required.
- Current CPR AED or Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider (BLS-HCP) certification within 30 days of hire, if required at the facility.
- Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods.
- Ability to bend, stoop, reach upward, and lift up to 50 pounds.
Nice To Haves
- One to two years of previous experience is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Visually and audibly monitor assigned patients’ condition and behavior at all times, and complete observation reports at established intervals.
- Remain at the assigned patient’s bedside unless relieved by an appropriate staff member.
- Compassionately and hospitably respond to patient, staff, visitor, and colleague needs.
- Verbally redirect patients from at-risk behaviors and assist in calming or reorienting patients who are agitated or confused.
- Seek assistance promptly when a patient appears to be in medical distress or poses a threat, and escalate concerns to assigned medical professionals.
- Identify and report patient safety issues, maintain a safe patient environment, remove visible hazards, and report hazards to the charge nurse.
- Keep the patient’s room safe and orderly and accompany the patient when diagnostic testing is required.
- Immediately summon nursing staff when the patient needs assistance, control, or nursing intervention, or exhibits unusual behavior or verbalizations; report potentially dangerous behavior or concerning conversations.
- Participate in handoffs of relevant patient information and behavior at the beginning and end of an assignment.
- Coordinate meal-break coverage with the nurse and inform the nurse before leaving the patient for any reason.
- Assist with ordering dietary trays and setting up meals; assist with basic patient positioning and with wheelchair rides or ambulation when the patient is stable and the assigned nurse has determined the activity is safe.
- Respond rapidly and thoroughly to emergencies and special needs.
- Accept direction and suggestions from supervisors and hospital staff, follow department policies and codes, and honor confidentiality and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in department and hospital education programs and assist other associates as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Retirement Plan
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Voluntary benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
- Paid and/or unpaid time off benefits may be available in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
