[Hiring] Virtual Safety Companion @Mercy Health

Role Description

The Virtual Safety Companion remotely observes and interacts with assigned patients through in-room cameras with verbal interventions and alerts to get bedside staff support for the patient as necessary. This position works closely with the hospital bedside clinical staff, Virtual Safety Coordinator, and the Operations Manager to escalate any patient conditions as necessary and provides hand-off information upon completion of shift assignment.

• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 32
• Work Shift: Afternoons (3:00pm - 11:30pm)
• THIS IS A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNIT POSITION.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides continuous observation of assigned patients through a one-way camera with two-way audio device and immediately contacts the appropriate bedside clinical staff if the patient requires assistance.
• Promotes patient safety by reporting unsafe situations or concerns to direct caregivers via phone calls and Epic documentation.
• Participates in hand-off of information/behavior about assigned patients at the beginning and upon completion of the shift assignment.
• Seeks help as soon as possible when patient appears to pose a threat to self or others.
• Participates in collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues and assures patient environment safety.
• Provides patients with explanations of service as needed, but does not counsel or provide opinions regarding medical conditions.
• Demonstrates efficiency in following documented workflows.
• Provides high level customer service to all patients, patient's family, visitors, bedside, provider, and associates.
• Provides accurate, precise, timely documentation in Epic and patient observation software when applicable for patient care.
• Uses professional communication, verbal and written.
• Expected to participate in patient service and safety escalation discussions with Virtual Safety Coordinator and bedside nurse.
• Promotes safety and protects the dignity of the observed patient.
• Communicates effectively with patients using a microphone and headset.
• Demonstrates efficiency in multi-tasking.
• Demonstrates safe work practice and attitude, follows safety rules, works to prevent unsafe conditions and behaviors, and participates in organizational and department safety programs and huddles.
• Perform other duties, when there is a low volume of observable patients, under the direction of a nurse.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications

• BLS Basic Life Support (required, within 3 months of hire)
• Patient care experience (preferred)
• Previous hospital environment experience (preferred)

Skills

• Communication
• Alert at all times
• Respond quickly to behavioral changes
• Continuous monitoring – multiple patients
• Function in stressful situations
• Function in emergency situations
• Record and communicate patient status and behaviors
• Basic data analysis
• HIPPA
• Professional
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to learn new skills
• Microsoft Windows
• Multitasking
• Prioritizing
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Active listening
• Follow procedures
• Communication with family members
• Communication with team members
• Teamwork
• Behavior documentation
• Customer service
• Calm
• Conflict resolution
• Relationship building
• Escalate unsafe behaviors quickly
• EPIC
• Patient safety
• Safety escalation

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HAS/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.