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) to include, but not limited to provide direct visual observation, prompt verbal re-direction, ongoing safety checks, environmental and care checks for comfort, recording of observations, and safety care provided. The VSA serves as a liaison between patient and nurse to observe, reports, escalates concerns to nurse on duty and summons the nurse on floor staff when patients require immediate assistance or the family requests assistance when necessary or in the event of a critical event. The VSA delivers virtual customer service and support to patient, family, and visitors, and when applicable direction on hospital resources.

Essential Job Statements

Under the Direction of a Registered Nurse (RN), the VSA utilizes virtual audio and visual observation equipment to observe an assigned patient group. Uses 2-way audio and video equipment, software, and unit support resources, to always maintain visual contact and promptly re-direct patients to maintain safety.

Ability to monitor and prioritize a group of patients simultaneously, while remaining alert and focused while on duty. Ability to multiples tasks such as typing, using technical equipment, safety checks, and documentation simultaneously. Work tasks and behaviors 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 with nursing staff to ensure a safe patient environment. Immediately summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance.

Computer skills and an ability to learn and understand the general technical requirements for the

telemedicine system. Ability to provide basic technical support and to triage more difficult problems to appropriate staff. Uses VIRTUAL SAFETY MONITORING (VSM) software, monitors, 2-way audio communications, and virtual webcams to virtually observe multiple patients at one time.  

Under the Direction of a Registered Nurse (RN), the VSA supports the nursing plan of care for patient with the scope of practice for VSA within the virtual monitoring environment.

Ability to distribute, position, troubleshoot, retrieve, and sanitize the Virtual Safety Monitoring (VSM) Guardian® device and collateral equipment as needed on site within the facility and/or assigned patient’s room.

Using established written, oral and electronic communication systems, documents virtual support activities in accordance with VCUHS Hospital and Nursing policies, procedures and standards of care within specified time frames. Documents incidents and reports when a patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others.

Ability to observe, report, document patient behaviors and observations per procedure and timely for assigned patient group each shift, reports and escalates urgent needs to the supervising RN or management as needed.

Maintains all VCUHS Hospital policies and procedures surrounding PHI, HIPAA, Security, Compliance, Email, Infection Control and Reporting of Incidents. Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, use independent and mature judgment, work independently without supervision and commitment to excellence.

Provides direction and/or customer service assistance to patient, family or visitors and treats them with respect. Ability to represent VCUHS Star Service behaviors and positively represent the department and its participants. The VSA positively represent the department to external departments, employees, and participants. Supports department patient satisfaction goals by providing prompt assistance. Participates in mandatory organizational quality initiatives and unit-based QA/CQI activities.

Ability to work flexible hours/shifts including but limited to 8-hour or 12-hour (Runners Only), 24 hours/7 days a week. Holidays and weekend rotation are required. Must be prepared to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, extended hours and during inclement weather

Maintains compliance with all mandatory trainings, education, competencies per organizational policies. Performs any other duties as assigned and participates in special projects to support the mission of VCUHS and department. Helps team members. Accepts alternate assignments, as required, graciously.

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit.  

Adolescents (13-17 years)

Adults (18-64 years).

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Employment Qualifications

Required Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent GED.

Preferred Education:

Certification, Training, or Associate degree or higher in any of the following  health-related fields: Certified Nursing Assistant program; current enrollment (or planned) in accredited school in healthcare and/or humanities related associates or baccalaureate IE: Nursing, Medical, PT/OT, Pharmacy, Health Administration, Dental, Nutrition, PA, Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Chemistry, Forensics

Licensing/ Certification

Licensure/Certification Required:

Licensure/Certification Required: Current AHA BLC HCP certification

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Required Experience

6 months or more working within a health care or related field using medical terminology.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Typing, Multi-tasking, Basic Computer skills, Typing, Able to function independently and manage own time and work tasks.

Cultural Responsiveness

Cultural Responsiveness: 

• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.
• Demonstrates culturally competent and respectful communication with patients, co-workers and peers.
• Utilizes cultural competency policy and procedures to address barriers, problems, and escalates as needed to direct management.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

Experience using EMR, computer-based triage, virtual work experience. Proficient knowledge of typing, familiarity with organizational technology, and operational systems such as but not limited to: use of computer, webcam, headset, telephone, teams, Microsoft Word, and Outlook. 1 year of more working in the following healthcare related fields: Certified Nursing Assistant program; current enrollment (or planned) in accredited school in healthcare and/or humanities related associates or baccalaureate IE: Nursing, Medical, PT/OT, Pharmacy, Health Administration, Dental, Nutrition, PA, Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Chemistry, Forensics

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.

General office environment.

May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse.

Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. *

May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. * 

Physical Requirements

Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.)

Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.)

Stoop, Kneel, Squat

Crawling

Bending

Work Position

Sitting

Walking

Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

Physical Requirements

Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)

Perform shift work

Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder

Repetitive arm/hand movements

Finger Dexterity

Acuity – far

Acuity – near

Hazards

Use of Latex Gloves

Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents

Exposure to potential electrical shock

Mental/Sensory – Emotional  

Reasoning

Logical Thinking

Emotional

Steady Pace

Able to Handle Multiple Priorities

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.