Description

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 diverse employees, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve.

We are looking for a Neurodiagnostic Patient Observer to join our prestigious epilepsy team at UNC! As an accredited Level IV Epilepsy Center, we care for a wide variety of hospitalized patients undergoing seizure monitoring. This position supports the certified neurodiagnostic technologists in monitoring patients by watching continuous video for evidence of seizures. The ideal candidate values a team based approach to patient care, possesses a desire to learn about epilepsy monitoring EEG brain wave recording, and has a great attention to detail. No prior healthcare experience is required, on the job training will be provided. Position is located on site in the department of Clinical Neurophysiology.

Summary:

This position is responsible for maintaining visual observation at all times. Verbally redirects patient over digital 2-way audio device that is in patient room.

General Responsibilities :

Maintains visual observation at all times. Immediately summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide the appropriate care to this patient population based on the patients individualized treatment plan as delegated by the RN.

Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patients when arriving on unit and upon completion of shift assignment. Arranges meal break times with nurse and informs nurse prior to leaving monitoring station for any reason so that relief may be provided to ensure constant patient observation.

Provides patient with explanations as necessary, but does not counsel or provide opinions. Demonstrates behaviors in line with Service Excellence.

Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others. Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues. Assures patient environment safety. Seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to Charge Nurse.

Demonstrates safe work practices and attitudes, follows safety rules, works to prevent unsafe conditions and behaviors, and participates in organizational and department safety programs.

Communicates pertinent patient information to appropriate person(s). Accurately relays information regarding patient needs to RN or US in a timely manner. Follows up with nurse throughout the shift regarding the status of all delegated tasks. Documents appropriately in system. All documentation is complete and accurate. Reports off to the RN and the oncoming NA prior to the end of shift.

Maintains an environment of safety for patients, self and others and supports patient safety initiatives as demonstrated by following positive patient identification procedures, performing hand hygiene per policy.

Position-specific responsibilities:

· Adheres to policies, procedures, all safety plans, and all standards of the organizations.

· Monitors patients undergoing EEG recording for safety, either in room or via remote video monitoring in EMU Technologist Workroom.

· Possesses knowledge and demonstrates proficiency of monitoring system and camera controls.

· Alerts nursing and/or technologist staff when clinical seizures or concerning paroxysmal events occur, or when any other risk factors are identified.

· Completes hospital training to alert supervisor and/or activate hospital systems such as seizure first aid, rapid response, cardiac arrest, etc. per established protocols when encountering patient clinical issues.

· Communicates with patients and bedside staff to obtain relevant histories and information about events.

· Documents observations, prepares reports, and inputs any relevant information as appropriate.

· Ensures that all equipment is in working order. Troubleshoots basic problems with equipment and escalates for resolution if unable to resolve the problem.

· Performs other tasks as assigned and according to department needs, including but not limited to restock supplies, remove electrodes, disconnect patients, set up machines, and disinfection of equipment and supplies.

· Communicates pertinent patient information to appropriate person(s) in a timely manner, and participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patients.

Other Information

Education Requirements:

● High school diploma or general education degree (GED).

Licensure/Certification Requirements:

● Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification required

Professional Experience Requirements:

● One (1) year of Nurse Assistant experience is preferred.

• No clinical experience required, but 6 months of healthcare related experience preferred for this position

Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:

● Capable of continuous monitoring of up to 15 patients on one screen at one time and remaining alert at all times while on duty. Ability to communicate effectively with patients using a microphone and headset Ability to communicate with hospital staff and respond quickly to patient behavioral changes. Ability to use discretion and courtesy when working with patients, visitors, and staff. Basic computer operation skills. Basic Microsoft windows experience. Efficiency in multitasking. Ability to prioritize simultaneous situations.

Position-specific Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:

Capable of continuous monitoring of multiple patients at one time and remaining alert at all times while on duty.

Ability to communicate effectively with patients and hospital staff, and able to respond quickly to concerns.

Entry level computer operation skills and Microsoft windows experience.

Efficiency in multitasking and able to prioritize simultaneous situations.

Job Details

Legal Employer: STATE

Entity: UNC Medical Center

Organization Unit: Clinical Neurophysiology

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 36.00

Salary Range: $15.00 - $18.62 per hour (Minimum to Midpoint)

Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Rotating

Location of Job: US:NC:Chapel Hill

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No

This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.