Patient Observation Technician-Clinical Staffing

UnityPoint Health • Des Moines, IA

396d

About The Position

The Patient Observation Technician at UnityPoint Health is responsible for providing patient monitoring services to ensure a safe environment for patients. This role involves direct observation of patients or monitoring through a central system, with a focus on preventing self-injury and ensuring patient safety. The technician collaborates with nursing staff and participates in safety initiatives, contributing to a culture of care and support within the healthcare team.

Requirements

• High School graduate or GED.
• Familiarity with healthcare environment preferred.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Valid driver's license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.
• Must possess and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or obtain certification within three (3) months from date of hire.
• Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
• Multicultural sensitivity.
• Customer/patient focused.
• Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates understanding and proficiency of the use of the patient monitoring software while functioning as a remote monitoring technician.
• Maintains visual observation at all times.
• Verbally redirects patient over digital 2-way audio device that is in patient room.
• Provides 1:1 direct observation (sitter in patient's room) to assigned patient to prevent patient self-injury in situations where patient/family is unable to do so.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide the appropriate care to a patient population based on the patients individualized treatment plan as delegated by the RN.
• Accesses assigned nursing/nursing support staff on assigned area immediately in case of emergency, or as needed to provide patient care on routine basis.
• Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others.
• Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patients when arriving on unit/work area and upon completion of shift assignment.
• Coordinates meal and break times with team and informs appropriate team members prior to leaving monitoring station for any reason to ensure constant patient observation.
• Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues.
• Seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to Charge Nurse.
• Demonstrates safe work practices and attitudes, follows safety rules, works to prevent unsafe conditions and behaviors, and participates in organizational and department safety programs.
• Demonstrates initiative to improve quality and customer service.
• Balances team and individual responsibilities, is objective and open to others' views, gives and welcomes feedback, contributes to positive team goals, and puts success of team above own interest.

Benefits

• Competitive Total Rewards program offering benefits options that align with your needs and priorities.
• Commitment to team members and a culture guided by uncompromising values.
• Support and development opportunities for career growth.
• Community involvement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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