Virtual Safety Attendant (PRN) - Sitter Pool, University Hospital

USA Health•Mobile, AL

About The Position

The Virtual Safety Attendant provides continuous virtual and, when assigned, in-person observation of patients who require safety monitoring, including patients with behavioral health, suicide, self-harm, elopement, or other safety risks. The role promotes a safe care environment by identifying potential risks in real time, monitoring patient activity, and promptly communicating changes in condition, behavior, or safety status to nursing staff and other appropriate clinical personnel. Observation duties may be virtual or in person, based on patient-care needs, staffing requirements, and operational priorities. The attendant maintains constant visual engagement with assigned patients, uses verbal redirection and supportive communication, and may use digital two-way audio while wearing a headset during virtual observation. The role includes documenting observations and significant events, reporting hazards, following patient-monitoring and emergency-response protocols, and collaborating with the healthcare team to support patient safety and continuity of care. The attendant also participates in shift reports, maintains competency with observation technology and communication equipment, completes required training, follows infection-control and safety standards, and performs other assigned duties.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong observational skills and situational awareness to recognize changes in patient behavior and potential safety risks.
Effective verbal communication and de-escalation skills.
Ability to remain attentive and focused for extended periods while monitoring patients, including multiple patients.
Ability to prioritize and appropriately communicate urgent situations.
Knowledge of patient-confidentiality standards, HIPAA regulations, and hospital policies.
Proficiency with computers, video-monitoring technology, and communication equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients using a microphone, headset, and webcam.
Knowledge of verbal de-escalation and therapeutic communication techniques.
Ability to continuously monitor patients and identify potential safety risks.
Ability to maintain attention to detail for extended periods.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and escalate concerns appropriately.

Nice To Haves

One year of previous experience as a Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Patient Safety Attendant, Monitor Technician, Behavioral Health Technician, Unit Secretary, or similar healthcare support role.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.

Responsibilities

Provide continuous virtual and, when assigned, in-person observation of patients requiring safety monitoring.
Observe patients and promptly report significant changes in condition, behavior, or safety status to nursing staff.
Perform virtual or in-person observation based on patient-care needs, staffing requirements, and operational priorities.
Immediately communicate safety concerns, behavioral changes, self-harm or suicidal behaviors, and other high-risk activity to appropriate clinical staff.
Monitor for behaviors that may place the patient or others at risk, including falls, elopement, self-harm, or interference with medical devices and treatment.
Identify and report potential safety hazards, contraband, or environmental risks in accordance with hospital policy; seek assistance to remove potential hazards from the room.
Use verbal redirection, de-escalation, and supportive communication techniques to prevent unsafe behaviors and promote patient cooperation.
Follow suicide precautions, behavioral health safety protocols, violence-prevention strategies, and emergency procedures when assigned to observe high-risk patients.
Promptly notify nursing staff of patient needs, safety concerns, behavioral changes, or situations requiring immediate intervention using approved communication systems during virtual observation.
Activate Stat Alarms or other designated alert systems when urgent assistance is required.
Maintain constant visual engagement with assigned patients and avoid interruptions that could compromise monitoring.
Accurately document observations, interventions, and significant events in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
Collaborate with nurses, providers, and other healthcare team members to support patient-care goals and safety initiatives.
Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality and comply with organizational policies and applicable regulations.
Recognize and promptly escalate environmental or patient-safety hazards.
Follow established patient-monitoring, observation-level, and emergency-response protocols.
Maintain competency in virtual-observation technology, communication tools, and related equipment.
Support organizational goals related to patient safety, quality outcomes, and service excellence.
Participate in beginning- and end-of-shift reports with assigned observation personnel, reviewing and communicating pertinent patient information, behaviors, safety risks, and observation requirements.
Wear a headset and verbally redirect patients using the digital two-way audio feature when providing virtual observation.
Complete mandatory departmental, educational, and hospital requirements and adhere to current infection-control and safety standards.
Maintain regular and prompt attendance, work the defined schedule and overtime as required, and perform other assigned duties.