PATIENT OBSERVATION ASSISTANT (FULL AND PART TIME)

Compass Group • Ashland, KY

6d • 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 involves remaining with the assigned patient, monitoring their condition and behavior, documenting observations, and promptly notifying nursing staff about medical distress, unusual behavior, safety concerns, or other needs.

The assistant supports patient safety and comfort by helping maintain an orderly environment, calming or reorienting patients, accompanying patients to diagnostic testing, and assisting with meals and basic positioning. Wheelchair rides or ambulation may be supported when the patient is stable and the assigned staff nurse has determined the patient's gait is safe. The position is based at UK King's Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Kentucky. Full-time and part-time schedules are available; days and hours may vary, and weekend and holiday availability is required.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Prior experience in a healthcare, home health, caregiving, or patient care environment is required.
• Current CPR AED or Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider (BLS-HCP) certification is required within 30 days of hire if required at the facility.
• Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods, bend, stoop, reach overhead, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Weekend and holiday availability is required.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of previous experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Visually and audibly monitor the assigned patient's condition and behavior at all times.
• Complete observation reports at established intervals.
• Respond compassionately and supportively to the needs of 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.
• Participate in identifying and reporting patient safety issues; maintain a safe patient environment, remove visible hazards, and report hazards to the charge nurse.
• Assist in calming or reorienting patients who are agitated or confused.
• Help keep the patient's room safe and orderly.
• Accompany patients when diagnostic testing is required.
• Summon nursing staff immediately when a patient needs assistance, control, or nursing intervention, or exhibits unusual behavior or verbalizations; report potentially dangerous behavior or concerning conversations to the nurse.
• Hand off pertinent information and patient behavior when arriving on the unit and at the end of the shift assignment.
• Arrange meal-break coverage with the nurse and inform the nurse before leaving the patient for any reason.
• Assist patients with ordering dietary trays and setting up meal trays.
• Assist with basic patient positioning and, when the patient is stable and cleared by the assigned staff nurse, wheelchair rides or ambulation.
• Respond rapidly and thoroughly to emergencies and special needs.
• Accept suggestions and direction from supervisors and hospital staff.
• Follow department policies and procedures, including attendance, break, behavior, dress, personal hygiene, and safety codes.
• 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, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Legal Services
• Choice Auto and Home Program
• Medical insurance (full-time positions)
• Dental insurance (full-time positions)
• Vision insurance (full-time positions)
• Life Insurance/AD (full-time positions)
• Disability insurance (full-time positions)
• Commuter Benefits (full-time positions)
• Employee Assistance Program (full-time positions)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (full-time positions)
• Paid and/or unpaid time off benefits may be available in accordance with applicable laws.

What This Job Offers

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