Virtual Patient Observer

About the role

The Patient Safety Observer is responsible for maintaining continuous observation and ensuring the safety of assigned patients through vigilant monitoring, timely communication, and adherence to established safety protocols. This role actively supports coordinated, high-quality patient care by documenting observations in the electronic health record (EHR), collaborating with the interdisciplinary care team, and utilizing secure communication tools in real time. This position requires strong technical skills and a commitment to exceptional customer service. The individual will demonstrate a thorough understanding of hospital protocols, inter-facility standards, and teamwork practices to optimize both patient outcomes and clinical operations.

Responsibilities

• Maintains continuous observation of multiple patients
• Navigate EHR workflows to support safe, efficient, and coordinated care, including documenting observations, entering appropriate communication notes, and using secure messaging tools to collaborate with the bedside care team in real time
• Maintains patient safety by: direct supervision, reorienting and redirecting confused patients, following safety standards
• Communicates with nurse any changes in patient behavior or condition
• Communicates effectively with patient and family
• Demonstrates technical skills in care delivery that result in safe practice and positive care outcomes
• Possess and obtain working knowledge of external and inter-facility protocols and standards of practice
• Demonstrates clear communication and effective collaboration to optimize patient care and clinical operations
• Delivering exceptional customer service while facilitating communication across multiple disciplines
• Work with all System Operations Center staff in a team-oriented, collaborative approach
• Responsible for promoting a Best Place to Work Culture and positive and professional work environment
• Actively participates in the development and implementation of performance/quality improvement
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards
• Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for patients, including annual training, the UH Code of Conduct, and UH policies and procedures addressing appropriate use of PHI in the workplace

Requirements

• Education: High School Equivalent / GED (Required)
• Work Experience: 1+ years patient care in hospital acute care setting (Required)
• Physical Demands:
  • Standing: Occasionally
  • Walking: Occasionally
  • Sitting: Constantly
  • Lifting: Rarely up to 20 lbs
  • Carrying: Rarely up to 20 lbs
  • Pushing: Rarely up to 20 lbs
  • Pulling: Rarely up to 20 lbs
  • Climbing: Rarely up to 20 lbs
  • Balancing: Rarely
  • Stooping: Rarely
  • Kneeling: Rarely
  • Crouching: Rarely
  • Crawling: Rarely
  • Reaching: Rarely
  • Handling: Occasionally
  • Grasping: Occasionally
  • Feeling: Rarely
  • Talking: Constantly
  • Hearing: Constantly
  • Repetitive Motions: Frequently
  • Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently
• Travel Requirements: 10%

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral (Required proficiency)
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills (Required proficiency)
• Demonstrates a professional demeanor when interacting with patients and customers (Required proficiency)
• Strong computer skills including all MS platforms (Required proficiency)

Primary Location: United States-Ohio-Shaker Heights (3605 Warrensville Center Road) | Schedule: Full-time | Employee Status: Regular | Job Type: Standard | Job Level: Professional | Remote Work: No