Patient Observation Technician

Overview

UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital 

Patient Observation Technician  

Full-Time Benefits: .90 FTE; 7pm-7:30am; holiday rotation  

The Patient Observation Technician provides patient monitoring services through the central monitoring center in order to provide a safe environment for patients.

Why UnityPoint Health?

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.  Here are just a few:      

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   

• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  

• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.   

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates understanding and proficiency of the use of the patient monitoring software while functioning as a remote monitoring technician. Maintains visual observation at all times.  Verbally redirects patient over digital 2-way audio device that is in patient room
• Provides 1:1 direct observation to assigned patient to prevent patient self- injury in situation where patient/family is unable to do so.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide the appropriate care to a patient population based on the patients individualized treatment plan as delegated by the RN.
• Accesses assigned nursing/nursing support staff on assigned area immediately in case of emergency, or as needed to provide patient care on routine basis.
• Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others.
• Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patients when arriving on unit/work area and upon completion of shift assignment. 
• Coordinates meal and   break times with team and informs appropriate team  members  prior to leaving monitoring station for any reason  to ensure constant patient observation.
• Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues.
• Seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to Charge Nurse.
• Demonstrates safe work practices and attitudes, follows safety rules, works to prevent unsafe conditions and behaviors, and participates in organizational and department safety programs.
• Demonstrates initiative to improve quality and customer service.
• Balances team and individual responsibilities, objective and open to other’s views, gives and welcomes feedback, contributes to positive team goals, puts success of team above own interest.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or GED.
• Familiarity with healthcare environment preferred.
• Basic computer skills required Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
• Multicultural sensitivity.
• Microsoft Office – basic computer skills.
• Customer/patient focused.
• Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.