Patient Observation Technician

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

Provides continuous observation and surveillance of assigned patients, under the direction and supervision of a Registered nurse, utilizing TeleSitter software system, including verbally redirecting the patient from engaging in at-risk behaviors and summoning the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

Education:  High School Diploma or GED, preferred

Licenses/Certifications: Certified in Basic Life Support or Heartsaver CPR with AED within 90 days of employment

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• Six (6) months patient care experience, preferably in an acute care setting; or
• No experience if Certified as a Nursing Assistant by the Texas Department of Health; or
• No experience if completed one (1) semester of clinical rotation in a professional nursing program (Associates of Nursing or Bachelors of Nursing)
• Ability to understand verbal and written instruction and communicate clearly and effectively with hospital staff and respond quickly to patient behavioral changes
• Ability to perform duties requiring prolonged and/or extensive sitting, standing, and walking
• Ability to use discretion and courtesy when working with patients, visitors, and staff
• Efficiency in multi-tasking and ability to prioritize simultaneous situations
• Proficient computer skills with ability to navigate a windows-based environment

Principal Accountabilities

• Provides continuous monitoring and observation of numerous patients through a Telesitter software system, coordinating with registered nurse on relief efforts when leaving the station in order to maintain constant patient observation.
• Maintains visual observation of patients at all times; verbally redirects patient over digital 2-way audio device that is in patient room; immediately summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance.
• Provides patient with explanations as necessary either in person or through monitoring system voice output, but does not counsel or provide opinions; maintains knowledgeable and is supportive of patient and institutional confidentiality and related hospital policies.
• Seeks help or advice if patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others by utilizing clinical knowledge and skills.
• Operates TeleSitter software, properly navigating the system and understanding the functions and use of the monitoring device.
• Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues, and ensures safe patient environment; seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to Charge Nurse Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patients when arriving on unit and upon completion of shift assignment.
• Demonstrates safe work practices and attitudes; follows safety rules; works to prevent unsafe conditions and behaviors; and participates in organizational and department safety programs.
• Considers the diverse needs of each patient, providing and ensuring the highest level of service according to established service standards, optimizing the patient experience.
• Performs other duties as assigned within scope of responsibility and clinical competency.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.
• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned.