Patient Observation Specialist

Position Overview

The Patient Observation Specialist provides continuous observation and monitoring of patients to ensure their safety and well-being. This role works closely with nursing staff and other healthcare professionals in a supportive and collaborative environment to prevent falls, injuries, and adverse events.

Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range starts from $15.00 per hour and is eligible for shift differentials.

The Perks and Benefits

• Collaborative environment: Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals passionate about delivering high-quality care.
• Professional development: We offer ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and participation in our Career Pathways Program.
• Impactful work: Ensure patient safety and contribute to positive health outcomes.
• Location perks: Boone, NC, offers outdoor activities, shopping, dining, breweries, and cultural attractions.
• Top-tier community: Boone boasts a top-rated public school system and is home to Appalachian State University.
• Compensation is commensurate upon education & experience - range is $15.00 per hour or more. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is non-exempt and includes shift differentials for qualified shifts.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA.
• Supplemental insurance covering short- and long-term disability, accident, life, hospital indemnity, critical illness, identity theft protection, and legal assistance.
• Student loan refinancing and tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid time off (PTO): Front-loaded for the first year, with a cash-out option available for qualifying employees.
• Paid parental leave: Two weeks of paid leave within the first six months of birth/adoption.
• Employee wellness program - Love Your Life: Award-winning voluntary wellness program with incentives.
• Employee to Employee (E2E) program: A voluntary, employee-funded assistance program.
• Additional employee perks: Discounts for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, and more.
• Take a virtual tour of our new Schaefer Family Patient Care Tower [here].

Key Responsibilities

• Provide continuous visual and auditory observation of assigned patients to ensure safety.
• Monitor and document patient behavior and condition, reporting changes to nursing staff.
• Assist with basic patient needs, including positioning, feeding, and personal hygiene as directed.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment, adhering to infection control policies.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams to provide compassionate care.
• Assist in patient transport within the hospital as needed.
• Follow hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Position Requirements

Minimum Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

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

Required Registration/License/Certification

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong observational and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach to care.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in stressful situations.
• Basic understanding of medical terminology and patient care procedures.
• Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) systems is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

Physical Demands

• Extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking.
• Frequent lifting, moving, and assisting patients as needed.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity to perform tasks.
• Ability to respond quickly to patient needs and emergencies.

Working Conditions

• Direct patient contact with exposure to bodily fluids.
• Healthcare environment with potential exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials.
• Requires standard precautions and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian, the leader in High Country healthcare, consists of three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. We are committed to improving health, enhancing quality of life, and making life better for our community.

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity affiliated with the University of North Carolina system, operating 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and over 500 clinics. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to North Carolina residents.

UNC Health Appalachian values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.

Salary : $15