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.

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.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands

Frequency 0% 1-33%  34-66% 67-100%

Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.) x

Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.) x

Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.) x

Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.) x

Stoop, Kneel x

Crawling x

Climbing x

Balance x

Bending x

Work Position

Frequency 0% 1-33%  34-66% 67-100%

Sitting x

Walking x  

Standing x

Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards

Physical Requirements

Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)

Perform shift work

Maneuver weight of patients

Hear alarms/telephone/audio recordings

Reach above shoulder

Repetitive arm/hand movements

Finger Dexterity

Color Vision

Acuity – far

Acuity – near

Hazards

Not applicable to this position

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