Virtual Safety Attendant - Virtual Nursing Program - PRN

About the Role

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). The VSA serves as a liaison between patient and nurse to observe, report, and escalate concerns, and summons the nurse or floor staff when patients require immediate assistance or during critical events. The VSA delivers virtual customer service and support to patients, families, and visitors, and provides direction on hospital resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct visual observation, prompt verbal redirection, ongoing safety checks, environmental and care checks for comfort, and recording of observations under the direction of an RN.
• Monitor and prioritize a group of patients simultaneously using 2-way audio and video equipment, software, and unit support resources to maintain visual contact and promptly redirect patients for safety.
• Multitask, including typing, using technical equipment, performing safety checks, and documentation simultaneously.
• Comply with written clinical and administrative directives, policies, procedures, and VSA scope of practice.
• Identify, report, and escalate suspected patient safety concerns to nursing staff; collaborate to ensure a safe patient environment.
• Immediately summon nursing staff if the patient requires assistance.
• Provide basic technical support for the telemedicine system 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 once.
• Support the nursing plan of care within the scope of practice for VSA in a virtual monitoring environment.
• Distribute, position, troubleshoot, retrieve, and sanitize the VSM Guardian® device and collateral equipment as needed.
• Document virtual support activities, incidents, and patient behaviors per procedure using established communication systems, adhering to VCUHS Hospital and Nursing policies.
• Maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, and use independent judgment while adhering to VCUHS policies on PHI, HIPAA, security, compliance, email, infection control, and incident reporting.
• Provide direction and customer service to patients, families, or visitors, representing VCUHS Star Service behaviors.
• Participate in mandatory organizational quality initiatives and unit-based QA/CQI activities.
• Work flexible hours/shifts, including weekends, holidays, extended hours, and during inclement weather.
• Maintain compliance with all mandatory trainings, education, and competencies per organizational policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including helping team members and accepting alternate assignments.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent GED (required).
• Certification, training, or Associate degree or higher in health-related fields such as Certified Nursing Assistant program, Nursing, Medical, PT/OT, Pharmacy, Health Administration, Dental, Nutrition, PA, Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Chemistry, or Forensics (preferred).
• Current AHA BLS HCP certification (required).
• 6 months or more of experience working within a healthcare or related field using medical terminology (required).
• 1 year or more of experience in healthcare-related fields such as CNA programs or enrollment in accredited healthcare/humanities programs (preferred).

Skills

• Typing and multitasking, including the ability to manage multiple patients simultaneously while remaining alert and focused.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency with typing, webcams, headsets, telephones, Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to function independently, manage time, and prioritize work tasks.
• Experience using EMR, computer-based triage, or virtual work (preferred).
• Cultural responsiveness, including commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and culturally competent communication with patients and peers.
• Manual dexterity, including eye/hand coordination, repetitive arm/hand movements, and finger dexterity.
• Ability to handle high-stress periods, fluctuating workloads, and emotional or steady-paced environments.

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of patients served, including:

• Adolescents (13-17 years)
• Adults (18-64 years)
• Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Working Conditions

• General office environment with periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads.
• May be exposed to physical altercations, verbal abuse, hazardous substances, or body fluids.
• Required to travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.
• Shift work, including rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, extended hours, and inclement weather.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting/carrying (0-50 lbs).
• Push/pull (0-50 lbs).
• Stooping, kneeling, squatting, crawling, and bending.
• Work positions: sitting, walking, and standing.
• Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination).
• Repetitive arm/hand movements and finger dexterity.
• Hearing alarms/telephone/tape recorder.
• Acuity – far and near.
• Hazards: use of latex gloves, exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, potential electrical shock.
• Mental/sensory requirements: emotional reasoning, logical thinking, ability to handle multiple priorities, and rotating tasks.