Patient Safety Companion- nights- float pool

University of Maryland Medical System; Towson (MD); On-site; USD 23,419 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland Medical System is seeking a compassionate patient observer to provide constant observation and support for individuals requiring close monitoring.

This role emphasizes safety, respectful communication, and adherence to HIPAA, with duties ranging from redirection to assisting nursing staff.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Current CPR certification required.
• Previous healthcare experience preferred.
• Knowledge of patient confidentiality and HIPAA rules.

Responsibilities

• Provides continuous observation of assigned patients to maintain patient safety.
• Maintains a calm composure and a soft tone when communicating with the patient.
• Verbally redirects the patient from engaging in risky and harmful behaviors.
• 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.
• Initiates and reports service recovery steps taken in response to customer concerns.
• Assists in ensuring patient safety.

Skills

Communication skills

HIPAA knowledge

Patient confidentiality

Independent learner

Education

High School diploma or GED

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: $17.17 - $24.76
• Other Compensation (if applicable): Shif Differential
• Review the 2025-2026 UMMS Benefits Guide