Virtual Safety Attendant - Virtual Nursing Program - PRN

Overview

This is an onsite position located in Richmond, VA.

The Virtual Safety Attendant (VSA) provides continuous observation of assigned patients via virtual 1:1 safety observation under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN), including direct visual observation, prompt verbal re-direction, ongoing safety and care checks, recording of observations, and safety care provided. The VSA serves as a liaison between patient and nurse to observe, report, escalate concerns to the nurse on duty, and summon floor staff when patients require immediate assistance or when family requests assistance, or in the event of a critical event.

The VSA delivers virtual customer service and support to patients, family, and visitors, and, when applicable, direction on hospital resources.

• Under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN), utilize virtual audio and visual observation equipment to observe an assigned patient group. Use 2-way audio and video equipment, software, and unit support resources to maintain visual contact and promptly re-direct patients to maintain safety.
• Monitor and prioritize a group of patients simultaneously, remaining alert and focused while on duty. Perform multiple tasks such as typing, using technical equipment, safety checks, and documentation. Adhere to written clinical and administrative directives, policies, procedures, and VSA scope of practice.
• Identify, report, and escalate suspected patient safety concerns to nursing staff; collaborate with nursing staff to ensure a safe patient environment. Immediately summon nursing staff if the patient requires assistance.
• Learn and apply computer skills and general technical requirements for the telemedicine system. Provide basic technical support and triage more difficult problems to appropriate staff. Use VIRTUAL SAFETY MONITORING (VSM) software, monitors, 2-way audio communications, and virtual webcams to observe multiple patients at one time.
• Support the nursing plan of care for patients within the VSA scope of practice in the virtual monitoring environment.
• Distribute, position, troubleshoot, retrieve, and sanitize the Virtual Safety Monitoring (VSM) Guardian® device and collateral equipment on site within the facility and/or the patient’s room as needed.
• Document virtual support activities using established written, oral, and electronic communication systems in accordance with VCUHS Hospital and Nursing policies and procedures within specified time frames; document incidents and reports when a patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others.
• Observe, report, document patient behaviors and observations per procedure and timely for the assigned patient group each shift; report and escalate urgent needs to the supervising RN or management as needed.
• Maintain all VCUHS Hospital policies and procedures surrounding PHI, HIPAA, Security, Compliance, Email, Infection Control, and Reporting of Incidents. Maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, use independent and mature judgment, and work independently without supervision.
• Provide direction and/or customer service assistance to patients, family, or visitors and treat them with respect. Represent VCUHS Star Service behaviors and positively represent the department and its participants. Support department patient satisfaction goals by providing prompt assistance. Participate in mandatory organizational quality initiatives and unit-based QA/CQI activities.
• Work flexible hours/shifts including, but not limited to, 8-hour or 12-hour shifts (Runners Only), 24 hours/7 days a week. Holidays and weekend rotation are required. Be prepared to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, extended hours, and during inclement weather.
• Maintain compliance with all mandatory trainings, education, and competencies per organizational policies. Perform any other duties as assigned and participate in special projects to support the mission of VCUHS and the department. Help team members; accept alternate assignments as required.

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit.
• Adolescents (13-17 years)
• Adults (18-64 years)
• Geriatrics (65 years and older)

• Required
  
  Education:
  
  High School Diploma or equivalent GED.
• Preferred Education: Certification, Training, or Associate degree or higher in health-related fields listed, or current enrollment/planned in healthcare or humanities-related associates or baccalaureate programs.
• Licensing/ Certification
  • 
    
    Licensure/Certification
    
    Required:
    
    Current AHA BLS HCP certification
• Minimum Qualifications
  • 6 months or more working within a health care or related field using medical terminology.
• Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
  • Typing, multi-tasking, basic computer skills; ability to function independently and manage own time and work tasks.
• Cultural Responsiveness
  • Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous…