Patient Observation Specialist - Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Position Overview:
Join our healthcare team as a Patient Observation Specialist, where you’ll play a key role in maintaining patient safety and well-being through continuous observation and collaboration with nursing staff. This position is ideal for compassionate individuals looking to work in a supportive, patient-centered environment.

Why Join Us?

• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals who share a passion for delivering high-quality care.
• Professional Growth: Engage in continuous learning and development with opportunities for advancement within the organization.
• Impactful Work: Help ensure patient safety and contribute directly to positive patient outcomes in our community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide continuous visual and auditory observation of assigned patients to prevent falls, injuries, or other adverse events.
• Monitor and document patient behavior and conditions, reporting any changes or concerns to the nursing team in a timely manner.
• Assist patients with basic needs, including positioning, feeding, and personal hygiene, under the direction of nursing staff.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
• Communicate compassionately with patients, families, and healthcare team members to deliver respectful, patient-centered care.
• Support patient care plans by participating in their development and implementation alongside the nursing team.
• Assist with the transport of patients within the hospital as needed.
• Adhere to hospital policies and regulatory standards to ensure compliance and quality care.

Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation ranges from $15.00 / hour.

Position Requirements:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).

Experience:

• Previous experience in a healthcare setting, particularly in patient observation or patient care roles, is preferred.

Certifications:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (required at time of hire).
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification (must be obtained within 1 year of hire).

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong observational and communication skills, with an ability to work effectively as part of a healthcare team.
• A compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in high-stress situations.
• Basic understanding of medical terminology and patient care procedures.
• Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for interacting with patients, families, and colleagues.

Professional Development:

We offer ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement, including tuition reimbursement and participation in our progressive Career Pathways Program.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, move, and assist patients as necessary.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity to perform tasks.
• Ability to respond quickly to patient needs and emergencies.

Working Conditions:

• The position involves direct contact with patients and exposure to bodily fluids.
• The work environment is a healthcare setting, which may include exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials.
• The role requires adherence to standard precautions and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

About UNC Health Appalachian

It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.“

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.

For accommodations or additional information, contact recruitment@apprhs.org.

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