VIRTUAL SAFETY MONITOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Cayuga Medical Center

Summary:

This position will provide continuous remote observation of assigned patients. The first line of action will be to verbally redirect the patient from engaging in any at risk behaviors. Next will be to summon the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance. Virtual safety attendants will be knowledgeable and abide by patient and institutional confidentiality and related hospital policies.

Typical duties and responsibilities:

• Demonstrates understanding and proficiency of the use of the TeleSitter®
• Maintains visual observation at all times. Verbally redirects patients over digital 2-way audio and video devices that are in patient rooms. Immediately summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide the appropriate observation to the patient population requiring TeleSitter monitoring.
• Participates in report with on-coming Virtual Safety attendants when arriving for shift, and upon completion of shift. Reviews pertinent patient information and behaviors.
• Provides patients with explanations as necessary but does not counsel or provide opinions.
• Provides floor staff with information in a timely fashion when patients appear to pose a threat to themselves or others. Participates in collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues. Assures patient environment safety. Seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to appropriate staff members.
• Demonstrates safe work practice and attitude, follows safety rules, works to prevent unsafe conditions and behaviors, and participates in organizational and department safety programs.
• Maintains patient dignity and privacy.

Minimum qualifications:

Education

• High school graduate or G.E.D. with general knowledge of the hospital setting
• Completion of Hospital Orientation

Work Experience

• Previous experience in a hospital environment preferred.
• Previous clinical experience preferred.
• Previous direct patient care experience preferred.

Skills

• Capable of continuous monitoring of up to 16 patients at one time and always remains alert while on duty.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients using a microphone, headset, and webcam.
• Ability to communicate with hospital staff and respond quickly to patient behavioral changes.
• Ability to use discretion and courtesy when working with patients, visitors, and staff.
• Basic computer operation skills
• Basic Microsoft windows experience
• Efficiency in multitasking
• Ability to prioritize simultaneous situations.