Patient Observation Technician

Overview

Position Title: Patient Observation TechnicianWork Type: PRN / As Needed

The Patient Observation Technician provides continuous observation and monitoring of patients who are at risk for self-harm, injury, wandering, or other safety concerns, helping to maintain a safe, therapeutic, and supportive environment. Working under the direction of a registered nurse or other designated care team member, this role is responsible for observing patient behaviors, documenting observations accurately and timely, and promptly communicating changes in patient condition or behavior to the appropriate clinical staff.

Observation is primarily conducted through a hospital-based camera monitoring system, allowing for continuous monitoring while supporting patient privacy and safety. The Patient Observation Technician utilizes effective redirection and de-escalation techniques when appropriate and assists in promoting patient comfort, safety, and completion of basic activities of daily living. In this PRN (as needed) role, the technician provides flexible staffing support to help meet patient care and operational needs across the organization.

Through vigilant observation, strong communication, and adherence to established protocols, the Patient Observation Technician contributes significantly to patient safety, quality of care, and positive patient outcomes.

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 in the use of patient monitoring software while functioning as a Remote Monitoring Technician. Maintains continuous visual observation of assigned patients and utilizes the digital two-way audio system to verbally redirect patients when appropriate.

• Provides one-to-one (1:1) direct patient observation when assigned to sit with a patient in the room to help prevent self-injury, injury to others, or unsafe behaviors when the patient and/or family is unable to provide supervision.

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate observation and support for assigned patient populations based on the patient’s individualized treatment plan and care needs, as delegated by the Registered Nurse (RN).

• Immediately notifies and collaborates with assigned nursing and support staff in emergency situations or when intervention is needed to ensure patient safety and routine patient care needs are addressed.

• Recognizes behaviors that may pose a threat to the patient or others and seeks assistance promptly according to established protocols.

• Participates in shift hand-off communication, providing and receiving pertinent information regarding assigned patients, observed behaviors, safety concerns, and care needs.

• Coordinates meal and break periods with team members and notifies appropriate staff before leaving the monitoring station to ensure uninterrupted patient observation and coverage.

• Actively participates in identifying, documenting, and reporting patient safety concerns and potential risks.

• Assists in identifying and reporting environmental safety hazards and seeks assistance to remove potential hazards from patient rooms, communicating findings to the Charge Nurse or designated clinical leader.

• Demonstrates safe work practices and behaviors by following organizational safety policies and procedures, helping to prevent unsafe conditions, and participating in department and organizational safety initiatives.

• Demonstrates initiative and accountability in supporting quality improvement efforts and delivering exceptional customer service to patients, families, and team members.

• Works collaboratively as part of the healthcare team by balancing individual responsibilities with team goals, maintaining an open and respectful approach to feedback, supporting coworkers, and contributing to a positive work environment focused on patient-centered care and organizational success.

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.