Observation Assistant

Patient Observer

The Patient Observer plays a critical role in supporting Augusta Health's mission and advancing departmental goals through measurable performance indicators and service excellence. This position contributes to a collaborative, patient-centered environment and helps drive outcomes aligned with organizational priorities.

The Patient Observer role is a position providing support to the patient care team by providing constant observation and/or ongoing monitoring of assigned patient(s) to ensure safety and prevention of injury. Responsible for working with others in the healthcare team to assure prompt intervention to prevent physical harm to patients ensuring optimal patient safety and patient comfort.

This is an ADN Scholars Program position.

Essential

Job Duties:

• Provides close and continuous, consistent, direct visual surveillance for assigned patient(s) under 1:1 observation.
• Provides ongoing direct visual surveillance for assigned patient(s) under standard observation.
• Gives report to the RN about any specific patient behaviors observed as necessary on a timely basis, and at the end of the shift.
• Calls for assistance immediately, when necessary, to prevent patient from harming self or others.
• Keeps patient room neat and orderly.
• Courteously greets patients, introduces self, and explains the purpose of the patient observer role.
• Rotates to the hospital inpatient units as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  
  None
• Licensure/Certification:
  None
• Experience:
  
  None
• Driver's License: N/A
• Eligibility to work in the United States and meet Virginia state employment requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:
  
  High school diploma or equivalent
• Licensure/Certification:
  None
• Experience:
  
  None
• Prior experience in a hospital, healthcare system, or related service-oriented environment
• Familiarity with Augusta Health's systems, workflows, or organizational culture is a plus

Competencies,

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• HIPAA – appropriately manages Protected Health Information (PHI).
• Able to meet physical and mental requirements of position in fast-paced, complex acute care setting.
• Annual education and competencies as required per hospital certifications.
• Maintains calm and safe approach within the work environment towards those that display violent or aggressive behavior.
• Personal Protective Equipment - when appropriate.

About Augusta Health:

Augusta Health is an independent, nonprofit, mission-driven health system located in Fishersville, Virginia, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. We offer a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services, including Augusta Medical Center—a 255-bed facility—and Augusta Medical Group, which operates 40 practice locations and four urgent care centers. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care makes Augusta Health a leading employer and healthcare provider in the region.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Augusta Health recruits, hires, and promotes qualified candidates for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran or military discharge status, and family medical or genetic information. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace in accordance with federal and Virginia state employment laws.