PATIENT OBSERVATION ASSISTANT (FULL AND PART TIME)

Compass Group • Columbia, SC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Observation Assistant provides visual and audible observation of assigned patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) and unit manager. The role focuses on continuous monitoring, patient safety, timely escalation of medical or behavioral concerns, and supportive interactions with patients, visitors, and healthcare staff.

The assistant remains at the assigned patient's bedside unless relieved by an appropriate staff member, completes observation reports at established intervals, and helps maintain a safe and orderly patient environment. The role may involve accompanying patients to diagnostic testing and assisting with meal setup, basic positioning, and wheelchair rides or ambulation when the patient is stable and cleared by the assigned nurse. The assistant also participates in shift handoffs, follows department and hospital policies, and responds to emergencies and other needs.

The position is available full-time or part-time at Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. Schedules include 12-hour shifts, with days and hours varying and weekend availability required. The fixed pay rate is $18.00 per hour. No prior experience is required, although one to two years of previous experience is preferred. A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required. CPR/AED or BLS-HCP certification is required within 30 days of hire if required at the facility.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• 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 overhead, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Weekend availability is required.
• No prior experience is required.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of previous experience.

Responsibilities

• Visually and audibly monitor the assigned patient's condition and behavior at all times.
• Complete observation reports at established intervals.
• Provide compassionate, hospitable, cheerful, and supportive service to staff, patients, visitors, and colleagues.
• Remain at the assigned patient's bedside unless relieved by an appropriate staff member.
• Verbally redirect patients from at-risk behaviors.
• Seek help promptly if 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 collaboratively; maintain a safe patient environment, report hazards to the charge nurse, and remove visible hazards when appropriate.
• Help calm or reorient patients who are agitated or confused.
• Help keep the patient's room safe and orderly.
• Accompany patients when diagnostic testing is required.
• Immediately summon nursing staff when a patient needs assistance or nursing intervention, displays unusual behavior or verbalizations, or engages in potentially dangerous behavior.
• Participate in handoffs of pertinent patient information and behavior at the start and end of an assignment.
• Arrange meal-break coverage with the nurse and inform the nurse before leaving the patient for any reason.
• Assist with ordering and setting up meals, basic patient positioning, and 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 and follow suggestions and direction from supervisors and hospital staff.
• Follow department policies and procedures, including attendance, break, behavior, dress, personal hygiene, and safety requirements.
• Honor confidentiality and other regulatory requirements.
• Participate in department and hospital education programs.
• Assist other associates as needed and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Retirement Plan
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
• Full-time associates also receive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Associates may be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED