Virtual Safety Attendant (PRN) - Sitter Pool, University Hospital

University of South Alabama Health System; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

USA Health seeks a Patient Observation Specialist to ensure safety for at-risk patients. The role involves monitor­ing via virtual and in-person methods, reporting changes in patient status, and maintaining strict privacy standards.

You will document actions and collaborate with nurses and providers to support care goals. Candidates should have a High School Diploma and preferably CNA certification with 1 year of healthcare support experience.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 1 year of healthcare support experience preferred.
• CNA certification preferred.
• Combinations of education and experience may substitute for the above requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous virtual and in-person observation to ensure patient safety.
• Promptly report changes in condition or behavior to nursing staff.
• Maintain patient privacy and follow HIPAA requirements.
• Document observations and events accurately in the system.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques to prevent unsafe behaviors.

Skills

Observation skills

Verbal communication

De-escalation

Attention to detail

HIPAA knowledge

Computer proficiency

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

CNA certification preferred

Tools

Video monitoring system

Video monitoring equipment

Headset and webcam setup

Job description

Overview

USA Health is Transforming Medicine along the Gulf Coast to care for the unique needs of our community. USA Health is changing how medical care, education, and research impact the health of people who live in Mobile and the surrounding area. Our team of doctors, advanced care providers, nurses, therapists, and researchers provides the region's most advanced medicine at multiple facilities, campuses, clinics, and classrooms. We offer patients convenient access to innovative treatments and advancements that improve the health and overall well-being of our community.

Responsibilities

• Provides continuous virtual and, when assigned, in-person observation of patients requiring safety monitoring, including those with behavioral health, suicide, self-harm, elopement, or other safety risks, to promote a safe care environment and identify potential risks in real time.
• Observes patients through virtual and/or direct observation methods and promptly reports significant changes in condition, behavior, or safety status to nursing staff.
• Performs either virtual or in-person patient observation duties based on patient care needs, staffing requirements, and operational priorities.
• Immediately communicates observed safety concerns, behavioral changes, self-harm behaviors, suicidal behaviors, or other high-risk activity to the appropriate clinical staff.
• Monitor patient activity for behaviors that may place the patient or others at risk, including falls, elopement, self-harm, or interference with medical devices and treatment.
• May assist in maintaining a safe patient environment by identifying and reporting potential safety hazards, contraband, or environmental risks in accordance with hospital policy.
• Utilize verbal redirection, de-escalation, and supportive communication techniques to prevent unsafe behaviors and promote patient cooperation.
• Demonstrates knowledge of suicide precautions, behavioral health safety protocols, violence prevention strategies, and emergency procedures when assigned to observe high-risk patients
• Promptly notify nursing staff of patient needs, safety concerns, changes in behavior, or situations requiring immediate intervention through approved communication systems when performing virtual patient observation.
• Activate emergency notification processes, including Stat Alarms or other designated alert systems, when urgent assistance is required.
• Maintain constant visual engagement with assigned patients and avoid interruptions that could compromise patient monitoring.
• Accurately document patient observations, interventions, and significant events in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with nurses, providers, and other members of the healthcare team to support patient care goals and safety initiatives.
• Demonstrate knowledge of patient privacy regulations, confidentiality requirements, and organizational policies; maintain compliance at all times.
• Recognize and elevate environmental or patient safety hazards in a timely manner.
• Follow established protocols for patient monitoring, observation levels, and emergency response procedures.
• Maintain competency in virtual observation technology, communication tools, and related equipment necessary to perform job responsibilities.
• Support organizational goals related to patient safety, quality outcomes, and service excellence.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support patient care operations and departmental needs.
• Participates in report at the beginning and end of each shift with assigned observation personnel. Reviews and communicates pertinent patient information, behaviors, safety risks, and observation requirements to support effective patient monitoring and continuity of care.
• Seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to appropriate staff members.
• Wears headset at all times and verbally redirects patient using the digital 2-way audio feature when providing virtual patient observation.
• Completes all mandatory department, educational and hospital requirements
• Adheres to current Infection Control and Safety Standards
• Regular and prompt attendance
• Ability to work schedule as defined and overtime as required
• Related duties as assigned

Additional Information

Employees must be in a regular position, working 20 hours or more per week (.50 FTE or greater) to qualify for benefits.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent Required
• 1 year Previous experience as a Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Patient Safety Attendant, Monitor Technician, Behavioral Health Technician, Unit Secretary, or similar healthcare support role Preferred
• CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant Preferred
• Comparable combination of education and experience may substitute for the above requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong observational skills with the ability to recognize changes in patient behavior and potential safety risks. Strong observational skills with the ability to recognize changes in patient behavior and potential safety risks.
• Effective verbal communication and de-escalation skills. Effective verbal communication and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to remain attentive and focused for extended periods while monitoring multiple patients. Ability to remain attentive and focused for extended periods while monitoring multiple patients.
• Ability to prioritize and communicate urgent situations appropriately. Ability to prioritize and communicate urgent situations appropriately.
• Knowledge of patient confidentiality standards, HIPAA regulations, and hospital policies. Knowledge of patient confidentiality standards, HIPAA regulations, and hospital policies.
• Proficiency with computers, video monitoring technology, and communication equipment. Proficiency with computers, video monitoring technology, and communication equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients using a microphone, headset, and webcam. Ability to communicate effectively with patients using a microphone, headset, and webcam.
• Strong observation and situational awareness skills. Strong observation and situational awareness skills.
• Knowledge of verbal de-escalation and therapeutic communication techniques. Knowledge of verbal de-escalation and therapeutic communication techniques.
• Ability to continuously monitor patients and identify potential safety risks. Ability to continuously monitor patients and identify potential safety risks.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail for extended periods of time. Ability to maintain attention to detail for extended periods of time.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and elevate concerns appropriately. Ability to exercise sound judgment and elevate concerns appropriately.