Patient Observation Specialist 1 Position Available In Avery, North Carolina

Patient Observation Specialist 1 3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 434 Hospital Drive, Linville, NC 28646

Position Overview:

The Patient Observation Specialist plays a vital role on the healthcare team by providing direct observation for patients who cannot be left unattended. This position ensures patient safety and supports individuals who may be at risk of harm to themselves or others. Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range starts from $15.00 /hour.

The Perks and Benefits:

Collaborative environment: Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals who share a passion for delivering high-quality care.

Professional development:

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

Impactful work:

Help ensure patient safety and contribute directly to positive patient outcomes in our community.

Location perks:

Boone, North Carolina, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, offers exceptional outdoor activities like biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing, and more. Enjoy great shopping, fine dining, breweries, wineries, and cultural attractions in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Linville.

Top-tier community:

Boone boasts a top-rated North Carolina public school system and is home to Appalachian State University. Recognized as a top destination by Forbes, Southern Living, and Niche, Boone is ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Compensation is commensurate upon education & experience

• range is $15.

00 /hour or more (depending on education & experience). Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is a non-exempt position. Comprehensive benefits package to include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as HSA. Supplemental insurance to include short and long-term disability insurance, accidental insurance, life insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, identity theft protection, legal insurance, etc. Student loan refinancing benefit and college savings fund as well as tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees. 403(b) retirement plan with employer match. Paid time off

• front-loaded for the first year for qualifying part-time and full-time employees (amount based on status and FTE at the time of hire)
• paid time off accrual begins following the first year of employment. Cash out option also available for qualifying employees by meeting specified criteria. Paid parental leave
• qualifying employees are eligible to use two (2) weeks of paid parental leave anytime during the first six (6) months following the birth or adoption of a child
• to be taken consecutively. Employee wellness program
• Love Your Life
• award-winning voluntary wellness program available for UNC Health Appalachian employees. Employee to Employee (E2E) program
• Caring for our own.

Additional employee perks include discounted rates for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, etc. (subject to change).

Key Responsibilities:

Provide continuous and direct observation to ensure patient safety. Monitor patients at risk for elopement, injury, or self-harm and promptly alert clinical staff to concerns. Maintain a therapeutic environment by adhering to safety protocols. Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients, families, and healthcare team members. Support a safe and comfortable patient environment by following established care plans. Assist with non-clinical patient care needs within scope. Demonstrate the ARHS Mission, Vision, and Values through all aspects of work.

Position Requirements:

Minimum Education:

High school graduate or equivalent preferred, but not required for Level 1 and 2. High school graduate or equivalent required for Level 3 and 4.

Experience:

Previous experience is preferred.

Required Registration/License/Certification:

Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification required and will be completed during training/orientation. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association is required at the time of hire. All required certifications must be obtained within 1 year of hire, except BLS.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of and ability to work within the scope of the observer role. Effective and courteous communication with patients, families, and staff. Competency in supporting safe patient care within limits of training and policies. Understanding of care continuum and exceptional customer service delivery.

Physical Demands:

Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls, and/or transfers up to and greater than 50 pounds Manual dexterity and mobility Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking Bending, squatting, twisting, turning Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

Working Conditions:

Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases Exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment Exposed to odorous chemicals and specimens Exposed to unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces uneven surfaces), etc. Handles emergency or crises Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, 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 arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.

Location:

UNC Health Appalachian

Patient Observation Schedule:

PRN, Shifts Vary, varies