Patient Visual Monitor Tech - Central Monitoring Unit Nights - Resource

University of Michigan Health-West•Wyoming, MI

About The Position

The Patient Visual Monitor Technician assists nursing staff by continually observing patients to maintain patient safety, monitoring both the patient and the patient’s environment, and interacting appropriately with patients. Under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the technician assists with basic nursing care and activities of daily living. The role also uses virtual monitoring tools to support patient safety and requires the ability to continuously monitor up to sixteen patients on screen while remaining alert.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Complete behavioral health education or training within 90 days of hire.
Obtain Basic Life Support (Healthcare Provider) certification within 6 months of hire.
Demonstrate dependability, self-discipline, and motivation.
Have excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Be able to operate, maintain, and make minor repairs or adjustments to equipment.
Demonstrate keyboard skills as required for essential job duties.
Be able to communicate effectively with patients using push-to-call devices and/or a microphone and headset.
Be able to communicate with hospital staff and respond quickly to patient behavioral changes.
Use discretion and courtesy when working with patients, visitors, and staff.
Be efficient at multitasking and able to prioritize simultaneous situations.
Be able to continuously monitor up to sixteen patients on a screen while remaining alert.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Continuously observe patients and promptly report behavior changes, problems, or difficulties to nursing staff.
Monitor patient environments to help ensure safety and intervene when a patient on fall precautions attempts to get out of bed, a wheelchair, or a chair independently by redirecting the patient, notifying nursing staff, or using the stat alarm.
Use virtual monitoring software and related tools; verbally redirect patients through two-way audio and promptly notify the bedside care team when assistance is needed.
Observe and communicate patient behavior or condition changes that may pose safety risks, and participate in patient handoffs by providing relevant behavioral and clinical updates.
Assist with patient comfort and activities, including changing linens, transport, ambulation, repositioning, hygiene, nutrition, and elimination.
Document care provided, mental health precautions, behavioral changes, and other information as directed by the RN.
Communicate with RNs and interdisciplinary team members using phones, computers, Vocera, and other systems.
Keep equipment clean, functional, and maintained; coordinate equipment concerns with Health Information and Technology and Clinical Engineering.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workstation, stock supplies, and troubleshoot equipment as needed.
Explain information to patients as needed without offering opinions or counsel; talk with patients, read to them, and reorient them to time, place, and self.
Participate in department meetings, in-services, and committees as requested; support flexible staffing and additional tasks that promote team efficiency.
Complete unit-specific competencies during orientation and maintain knowledge of department protocols, safety practices, and emergency procedures.
Perform other tasks appropriate to scope of practice as delegated by the RN and help maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment.