About the position

As our Natl Internal Traveler, Virtual Patient Companion, you will be responsible for continually monitoring patients identified as high risk for falling, elopement, substance use, disorientation, or pulling out lines/tubes, and other potential concerns, across multiple facilities nationwide. Every day you will monitor patients from a System Office, utilizing live, non-recorded streaming video equipment to ensure patients interact safely and appropriately with their environment. You will accurately recognize signs of patient agitation, impulsiveness, and illicit drug/alcohol use; take appropriate action to notify staff of patient safety concerns; establish and maintain effective communication with patients, colleagues, and bedside staff; and report potentially dangerous changes in patient behavior, escalating communications as necessary. To be successful in this role, you will apply your expertise in patient observation and communication to proactively ensure patient safety across various facilities, diligently following protocols, and contributing to the continuous improvement of department metrics.

Responsibilities

• Observes assigned patients by monitoring non-recorded streaming video equipment linked to a live feed from a camera situated in the patient’s room or other hospital-specific video observation platforms● Maintains continuous surveillance of assigned patients/rooms to ensure the patient is interacting appropriately with the care environment and surroundings; initiates communication with patients as appropriate.
• Communicates with bedside staff in a timely, professional, and courteous manner.
• Reports camera disruption or obstructions to the patient care team in a timely manner.
• Identifies changes in the patient’s behavior and/or condition in accordance with established guidelines● In response to observed changes in patient behavior, notifies care staff of:◦ Increased agitation;◦ Interacting inappropriately with care tools (e.g. IV pumps, lines, drains or airways);◦ Attempts to leave bed/chair, etc; and◦ Concerns for patient safety.
• Identifies inappropriate behavior from patient visitors and notifies care staff.
• Identifies and requests corrective action to be taken to address obstructed camera view.
• Initiates timely communication with on-site clinical staff to report situations needing immediate and direct intervention to maintain patient safety and comfort● Quickly notifies bedside care staff of changes using phone, communications system, cell phone, other communication device as necessary, or STAT alarm.
• Communicates with the patient/family in the room, quickly, professionally and with courtesy and kindness.
• Communicates any sub-optimal viewing conditions to bedside staff, suggests corrective action and determines whether a patient can be safely observed.
• Documents observations and subsequent actions taken to maintain timely and accurate record● Documents calls to care providers, or use of STAT alarm● Documents and reports adverse events using the IRIS system.
• Documents and reports system and/or equipment malfunctions to the appropriate party.
• Maintains professionalism● Establishes and maintains effective working relationships● Maintains a neat and organized work environment; orders, stocks and replenishes supplies and equipment as necessary● Handles incoming, outgoing and internal communications with courtesy and professionalism● Participates in quality assurance/improvement initiatives and activities; participates in growth opportunities.
• Complies with CommonSpirit Health’s core values

Requirements

• High School Graduate or GED
• 2 years of prior and recent experience in patient care (e.g., CNA, Unit Clerk, MA, LVN, etc.)