Virtual Safety Companion – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

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.

Shift Schedule:

* Full Time - 32 hrs/week

* Afternoons - 3:00pm - 11:30pm

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.

Licensing/Certification

• BLS Basic Life Support (required, within 3 months of hire)

Education

• None

Work Experience

• Patient care experience (preferred)
• Previous hospital environment experience (preferred)

Training

• None

Language

• None

Patient Population

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.​
• Adolescents (13-17 years)
• Adults (18-64 years)
• Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Working Conditions

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.
• General office environment.
• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
• May have periods of constant interruptions.
• Prolonged periods of working alone.
• Other:  May work from home. Requires private, dedicated space for equipment. Privacy screen for monitors will be required.             

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