Virtual Safety Companion (VSC) - Med-Surg Pediatric Unit - St. Rita's Medical Center

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Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Work Shift:

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 and 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 as needed, but does not counsel or provide opinions 
• Demonstrates efficiency in following documented workflows 
• Provides high level customer service to all patients, patient's family, visitors, bedside provider and employees 
• Provides accurate, precise, timely documentation in Epic and patient observation software when applicable for patient care 
• Uses professional communication, verbal and written, at all times  
• Participates in patient escalation discussions 
• 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   
• Performs 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

Skills

Communicate with hospital staff and respond quickly to patient behavioral changes 

Monitoring multiple patients at one time and remain alert at all times while on duty 

Function in stressful and emergency situations

Record & communicate patient status or behaviors 

Basic data analysis 

Ability to use discretion and courtesy when working with patients, visitors, and staff 

Basic computer operation skills and ability to learn new skills 

Microsoft windows

Multitasking

Prioritize multiple situations

​Attention to detail 

Critical thinking

Active listening

Follow procedures in emergency and high stress situations 

Take direction from staff and clinical/operational leadership 

Communication with family members 

Teamwork

Conflict resolution 

Relationship building 

HIPPA  

Medical Terminology

Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.

As a Mercy Health associate, you’re part of a Misson that matters. We support your well-being – personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way. 

What we offer
•    Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
•    Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HAS/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
•    Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
•    Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.
 

Department:

It is our policy to abide by all Federal and State laws, as well as, the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). Accordingly, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you’d like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health– Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, please email [email protected]. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected].