Observer

Position Summary

The Observer is a member of the healthcare team. The Observer is responsible for monitoring one or more assigned patients on a designated unit for a specified time period. The Observer alerts the patient’s assigned nurse and/or supervisor if the patient exhibits risk of harming himself/herself or others.

• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Monitors the patient for signs of escalating behaviors.
• Immediately alerts the patient's nurse, charge nurse and/or supervising nurse when the patient exhibits risk of harming himself/herself or others.
• Communicates effectively with the patient's care team. Receives report from the patient’s nurse / charge nurse or supervising nurse prior to assuming assignment.
• Provides meaningful handoff communication to the patient's nurse / charge nurse or supervising nurse when relieved of duties (i.e. end of shift, breaks, etc.).
• Documents accurate and timely observations on monitoring tools/forms/patient record as requested.
• Provides hazard surveillance and reduces risk within the patient's physical environment (remove potential harmful objects).
• Engages the patient appropriately in distraction activities as needed.
• Maintains own knowledge base to perform position responsibilities and seeks professional development opportunities.
• Maintains observation according to the patient's plan of care and as ordered within the medical record.

• De‑escalation training (Non‑violent crisis intervention or other de‑escalation program adopted by ECU Health). If not current at the time of hire must complete within 90 days of employment and maintain without lapse during employment.
• ECU Health Module (Managing Escalating Behavior) or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of six months experience as a member of a healthcare team is preferred.

ECU Health North Hospital is a Joint Commission‑accredited, 204‑bed acute bed facility serving Halifax, Northampton and Warren counties in the north‑central region of North Carolina. Its service area also reaches into southern Virginia. With more than 800 team members, the hospital offers a broad range of medical and surgical services. It features a 24‑hour emergency department and offers advanced diagnostics as well as specialty and primary care.

It is the goal of ECU Health and its entities to employ the most qualified individual who best matches the requirements for the vacant position. Offers of employment are subject to successful completion of all pre‑employment screenings, which may include an occupational health screening, criminal record check, education, reference, and licensure verification.

We value diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Decisions of employment are made based on business needs, job requirements and applicants qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other status protected by law.

We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint.