Position: Patient Observation Assistant (Part‑time)
Location: Inova Alexandria Hospital – 4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304. Applications accepted online only.
Schedule: Part‑time. 6:00 am – 6:30 pm and 6:00 pm – 6:30 am; days may vary. Details discussed in interview.
Fixed Pay Rate: $18.36 per hour.
Job Summary
Provides visual and audible observation of assigned patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) and unit manager.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Visually and audibly monitor the assigned patient's condition and behavior at all times.
- Complete observation reports at established intervals.
- Render compassionate service and respond to needs, interacting hospitably with staff, patients, visitors and colleagues.
- Remain at the bedside of the assigned patient unless relieved by an appropriate staff member.
- Verbally redirect patients engaging in at‑risk behaviors.
- Seek help or advice promptly when a patient appears in medical distress or poses a threat, and alert assigned medical professionals.
- Participate in collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues; ensure a safe environment and report hazards to the charge nurse.
- Assist in calming and/or reorienting patients experiencing agitation or confusion.
- Assist with keeping the patient's room safe and orderly.
- Accompany patients when diagnostic testing is required.
- Summon nursing staff immediately if the patient requires assistance, control, or other nursing interventions, or exhibits unusual behavior.
- Participate in hand‑off of pertinent information and behaviors during shift changes; coordinate coverage around meal breaks with the nurse and inform the nurse prior to leaving the patient.
- Assist patients with ordering dietary trays, setting up meal trays, basic positioning, and wheelchair rides or ambulation when approved by the nurse.
- Respond rapidly and thoroughly to emergencies, special needs, etc.
- Accept suggestions and direction from supervisors and hospital staff.
- Demonstrate knowledge of department policies and procedures; honor attendance, break, behavior, dress, personal hygiene, and safety codes.
- Honour all confidentiality and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in the department and hospital education program.
- Assist other associates as necessary; respond to direction as provided.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent (required).
- Current CPR/AED or BLS‑HCP certification required within 30 days of hire (if required by the facility).
- Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods; able to bend, stoop, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds.
- Preferred: One to two years of prior experience.
Benefits
- Full‑time and part‑time positions offered a retirement plan, associate shopping program, health and wellness programs, discount marketplace, identity theft protection, pet insurance, and other voluntary benefits including critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, legal services, and auto and home programs.
- Full‑time positions also offer medical, dental, vision, life insurance (AD), disability insurance, commuter benefits, employee assistance program, and flexible spending accounts.
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time‑off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all applicants and associates fairly based on abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.