Patient Safety Companion- night shift- Float Pool

University of Maryland Medical System; Towson (MD); On-site; USD 23,419 - 30,954; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland Medical System is seeking a dedicated Patient Observer in Towson, Maryland. The role involves constant monitoring of patients who require close observation for safety and well-being. Candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED, along with current CPR certification.

This position offers a pay range of $17.00 - $22.47 per hour and emphasizes effective communication skills, attention to detail, and teamwork within a healthcare setting. Join us to contribute to the well-being of our patients with compassion and professionalism.

Qualifications

• Must have a High School diploma or GED and current CPR certification.
• Previous healthcare experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of proper body mechanics is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Observes patients to ensure safety and well-being.
• Communicates effectively with nursing staff for patient care.
• Initiates CPR as needed and maintains infection control.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to function independently

Interpersonal relationship skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent (GED)

Current CPR certification

Job description

General Summary

Provides constant observation and support to patients who require close monitoring due to medical or behavioral reasons. Presence helps ensure the safety and well‑being of these patients while they receive care. This role demands attentiveness, compassion, and a commitment to maintaining a secure and comfortable environment for the patient. Extends courtesy and support to patient’s family/visitor.

Principal Responsibilities And Tasks

• Provides continuous observation of assigned patients to maintain patient safety. Obtains verbal report from the patient’s nurse to include information regarding the patient’s identified care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, as well as any special consideration (NPO, bed alarms, etc.).
• Maintains a calm composure and a soft tone when communicating with the patient.
• Verbally redirects the patient from engaging in risky and harmful behaviors.
• Summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance through appropriate communication tools.
• Monitors and attempts to prevent patient from self‑harm, falls, eloping, smoking, dislodging IV lines, O2 apparatus, catheters, and/or drains and dressings through calling for assist (call bed, personal alarm) and attempting to redirect with communication.
• Requests immediate assistance for noted changes in patient condition and/or disruptive behaviors.
• Initiates C.P.R. procedure as needed to ensure patient care and safety.
• Maintains infection control practices (standard precautions and isolation precautions).
• Maintains appearance and order of patient rooms and work areas.
• Engages the patient in diversional activities such as coloring and games as appropriate.
• Demonstrates respect for individuals, customer service, teamwork and collaboration:
• Models excellence in customer service behaviors. Identifies and acts on opportunities to respond to customer requirements. Acts to prevent potential customer complaints.
• Initiates and reports service recovery steps taken in response to customer concerns.
• Demonstrates the ability to monitor patients according to the age, culture, ethnicity, spirituality, and individual diagnostic needs of the persons served.
• Uses hand‑off communication to convey appropriate clinical/patient information.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information (HIPAA).
• Provides an inclusive environment for peers, orientees and students.
• Voices difference in opinion professionally through appropriate channels.
• Assists in ensuring patient safety.
• Assumes responsibility for attending required education and training.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Current CPR certification required.
• Previous healthcare experience preferred.
• Knowledge of proper body mechanics preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates maturity, tact, judgment and sensitivity to people.
• Ability to function independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledgeable and supportive of patient and organizational confidentiality and related hospital policies.
• Ability to read and write required.
• Ability to learn and use computer systems.
• Utilizes effective communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Ability to respond to patient behavioral changes.
• Ability to organize work priorities, perform several duties simultaneously and function in stressful situations.
• Ability to work with others as a member of the healthcare team.
• Ability to complete documentation/forms related to observation of the patient.
• Demonstrates strong verbal communication skills and excellent organizational skills.

Benefits

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation

• Pay Range: $17.00 - $22.47
• Other Compensation (if applicable):
• Review the 2025-2026 UMMS Benefits Guide