Job Information
Tufts Medicine VIRTUAL OBSERVER - Onsite in Melrose, Massachusetts
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Job Profile Summary
This role focuses on providing professional and nonprofessional nursing care services in accordance with physician orders. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Nursing Support duties: Provides basic care services to patients, but does not have an RN or LPN license. Positions in this nursing support work under the direction of physicians, mid-level practitioners, and may work under the direction of registered nurses depending on their unit. A clinical technologist role that has specialized knowledge or skills gained through a combination of vocational education, training, and experience. This role will be most commonly applied to patient care and/or scientific/laboratory jobs. An entry-level role typically requiring little to no prior knowledge or experience and requiring vocational or technical education. Work is routine or follows standard procedures, is closely supervised, and communicates information that requires little explanation or interpretation.
Job Overview
Under the direction and supervision of clinical staff, this position provides continuous observation and surveillance of assigned at-risk patients. Supports clinical staff by identifying risky behaviors and verbally redirecting the patient, summons staff when necessary, and handles emergencies and troubleshooting appropriately.
Job Description
Minimum Qualifications :
High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Preferred Qualifications :
Nursing Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant (MA) or Emergency Medical System (EMS) certification.
Previous patient care experience in a hospital or nursing home
Duties and Responsibilities : The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
Observes patient at all times to ensure patient safety including activities of daily living (ADLs) such as feeding, toileting, ambulation.
Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide the appropriate care to this patient population based on the patients individualized treatment plan as delegated by clinical staff.
Provides patient with explanations as necessary, but does not counsel or provide opinions. Demonstrates behaviors in line with Service Excellence. May verbally direct patients digital 2-way audio device that is in patient room.
Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues. Assures patient environment safety. Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others. In some cases, may need to immediately summon clinical staff if the patient requires assistance or assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room.
Accompanies patient off unit to any scheduled appointments or tests.
Documents behaviors and events according to hospital policy and procedures, either on paper or electronically.
Maintains a safe environment for the patient at all times by reporting all non-functioning equipment to the nursing staff and complying with all hospital protocols regarding infection control.
Demonstrates the skills necessary to interact with the health care team in regards to the implementation of the medical/nursing plan of care.
Accepts assignments positively and resolves issues in a mature manner.
Promotes open communication with the nursing staff to ensure a positive work environment.
Behaves in a kind and courteous manner to patients, families and staff.
Demonstrates safe work practices and attitudes, follows safety rules, works to prevent unsafe conditions and behaviors, and participates in organizational and department safety programs.
Establishes a climate for optimal patient care, mutually supportive collegial relationships and professional development. Accepts constructive feedback in behavior and effects a positive change in a timely manner.
Maintains attendance standard including arriving to work on time, coordinating breaks and lunches with other staff to ensure adequate patient coverage, and remains working through the end of assigned shift.
Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patients when arriving and upon completion of shift assignment.
Adheres to unit specific dress code.
Initiates troubleshooting when there is a problem with either the software, hardware, or server.
Recognizes the ethical and legal limitations of practice.
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking.
Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfer patients and equipment of 5-10 lbs.
Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching.
Frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals, sick patients, bodily substances, noise and possible exposure to radiation, lasers, electric shock, etc.
Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases and other transmissible infections.
Contact with patients under wide variety of circumstances.
Subject to varying and unpredictable situations.
Manual dexterity using fine hand manipulations for assisting patients and computer keyboard.
Requires ability to hear instructions from clinical staff.
Skills & Abilities:
Able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing patient needs or changes to the care team.
Able to work as a team member.
Good telephone etiquette.
Able to follow verbal and written instructions.
Able to identify scope of task and perform in a timely and efficient manner.
Ability to observe patient according to patient care safety aide guidelines and competencies.
Ability to provide hygiene and toileting needs to patients they are observing.
Possesses and applies the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span, with consideration of aging process, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
Has the skills and knowledge to provide care to various age groups including: Knowledge of growth and development; Providing age appropriate communication.
Demonstrates knowledge of Code White procedure and their responsibility during implementation of the Code White procedure.
Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us at careers@tuftsmedicine.org .