Job Description
Harris Health is a nationally recognized health system comprising three teaching hospitals and an extensive network of ambulatory care centers serving the people of Harris County, Texas, since 1966. Staffed by the faculty, fellows and residents from two nationally ranked medical schools, Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Harris Health is the first healthcare system in Houston to receive the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) designation for its network of patient-centered medical homes.
Each year, Harris Health provides more than 1.8 million total outpatient visits through its more than 40 ambulatory care facilities. Additionally, Harris Health sees more than 177,000 emergency visits at its Level 1 and Level 3 trauma centers and 35,000 hospital admissions through its three hospitals: Ben Taub, LBJ and Quentin Mease.
Established by voter referendum to enhance the level of charity care available in the community, Harris Health System has often received national recognition for serving those in need and for its achievements in operational excellence, such as being named to the 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Most Wired Hospitals lists by the American Hospital Associations Hospitals & Health Networks magazine.
Additionally, Harris Health System is pleased that each of its three hospitals Ben Taub, Lyndon B. Johnson and Quentin Mease achieved Pathway to Excellence designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Virtual Patient Observation Technician (VPOT) provides constant, real-time video monitoring of assigned patients to enhance safety. The VPOT verbally redirects the patient from engaging in at-risk behaviors and directly communicates with nursing staff if the patient needs further intervention or requires assistance.
The VPOT practices safety measures and documents observations according to standards. The technician participates in performance improvement and quality initiatives, demonstrates personal and professional effectiveness and promotes a customer-friendly environment by utilizing ServiceFirst behaviors and Language of Caring techniques while interacting with patients, families, and staff members.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Education/Licensure/Specialized Training:
a. Education: High School diploma or the equivalent plus technical skills/training appropriate to the specialty area.
b. Licensure/Certification: Texas Nursing Assistant Certification; or
Medical Assistant certification from one of the following:
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
National Association for Health Professionals (NAHP)
And BLS
2. Work Experience: Two (2) years related clinical experience required
Related specialty experience preferred (i.e., direct patient care, virtual observation, telemetry technician, hospital environment, experience in nursing program clinical rotations).
3. Management Experience: N/A
4. Equipment Operated: Basic computer, wireless telephone, intercom/headset communication
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Communication Skills:
Above Average Verbal (Heavy Public Contact)
Bilingual Skills Preferred Yes Language(s): English/Spanish
Writing /Composing: Correspondence / Reports
2. Other Skills: Medical Terms, PC
3. Advanced Education: N/A
4. Work Schedule: Weekends, Holidays, Flexible
5. Other Requirements:
a. Comfortable using computer technology and sitting for long periods of time in front of a computer screen
b. Able to analyze and synthesize patient safety information to determine the course of action.
c. Able to make quick decisions under pressure, and manages stress appropriately
d. Well-organized, efficient multi-tasker able to prioritize simultaneous and continuous monitoring of multiple patients on one screen while on duty
e. Attention to detail, able to focus on a particular patient, object or task for an extended period of time
f. Good telephone etiquette
RESPONSIBLE TO: Designated Supervisor, Director/Program Manager
EMPLOYEES SUPERVISED: No