PATIENT OBSERVATION ASSISTANT (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

Compass Group • Bethlehem, PA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Crothall Healthcare is hiring full-time and part-time Patient Observation Assistants at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The assistant provides continuous visual and audible observation of assigned patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse and unit manager, supporting patient safety and responding to patients’ needs. The role includes remaining with the assigned patient unless properly relieved, documenting observations, redirecting patients from at-risk behaviors, and promptly escalating medical distress, concerning behavior, or safety issues to nursing staff.

The assistant helps maintain a safe and orderly patient environment, calms or reorients patients who are agitated or confused, accompanies patients to diagnostic testing, and may assist with meal setup, basic positioning, wheelchair rides, and ambulation when the patient is stable and the assigned nurse has determined the gait is safe. The position also involves shift handoffs, coordinating coverage for meal breaks, responding to emergencies, following department and hospital policies, maintaining confidentiality, and participating in required education.

Full-time shifts are 12 hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Part-time shifts are 8 hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., or 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The listed pay range is $17.00 per hour. Shift differentials may be available for select shifts and locations.

Requirements

• Prior experience working directly with patients is required.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
• Current CPR/AED or Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS-HCP) certification is required within 30 days of hire if required at the facility; the posting also states CPR/BLS certification is required upon hire and completion of training.
• Must be comfortable assisting patients with activities of daily living, including mobility, toileting, dressing, and other basic personal care needs as appropriate.
• Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods, bend, stoop, reach up, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of previous experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Continuously visually and audibly monitor the assigned patient's condition and behavior.
• Complete observation reports at established intervals.
• Provide compassionate, hospitable, cheerful, and supportive service to patients, visitors, staff, 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 when a patient appears to be in medical distress or poses a threat, and escalate concerns to assigned medical professionals.
• Collaborate in identifying and reporting patient safety issues; maintain a safe patient environment, report hazards to the charge nurse, and remove visible hazards as appropriate.
• Help calm or reorient patients experiencing agitation or confusion.
• 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, exhibits unusual behavior or verbalizations, or displays potentially dangerous behavior; promptly report concerning conversations to the nurse.
• Participate in handoffs of pertinent patient information and behavior at the start and end of assignments.
• Arrange 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 meal trays; provide basic positioning assistance and wheelchair rides or ambulation when the patient is stable and the assigned nurse has determined the gait is safe.
• Respond rapidly and thoroughly to emergencies and special needs.
• Accept suggestions and direction from supervisors and hospital staff.
• Follow department policies and procedures, attendance and break expectations, conduct, dress, personal hygiene, and safety codes.
• Maintain confidentiality and meet 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
• Voluntary Accident Insurance
• Voluntary Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Legal Services
• Choice Auto and Home Program
• Full-time associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Eligible associates may receive paid and/or unpaid time off in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws
• Reimbursement for CPR class costs on the first paycheck
• Shift differentials may be available for select shifts and locations

What This Job Offers

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