Patient Observation Specialist in Boone, North Carolina at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Patient Observation Specialist

Patient Observation Specialist

Location: Boone, North Carolina | PRN | Non-Exempt

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As a Patient Observation Specialist at UNC Health Appalachian, you’ll play an essential role in keeping patients safe and supported through continuous observation and monitoring. You’ll work closely with nursing staff and other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, compassionate patient care in a supportive and collaborative environment.

This is an opportunity to build your healthcare career while working alongside dedicated healthcare professionals in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Compensation: Starting at $16.00/hour, based on education and experience

Schedule: PRN; Shifts Vary

Benefits: Applicable benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; HSA option; supplemental insurance options; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement/certification bonuses; paid parental leave; wellness incentives; may be eligible for childcare assistance; and employee discounts

Benefits Eligibility: Applicable benefits will begin on the first of the month following 60 days of employment.

What You’ll Do as a Patient Observation Specialist

• Provide continuous visual and auditory observation of assigned patients to ensure safety and prevent falls, injuries, or other adverse events
• Monitor and document patient behavior and condition, promptly reporting any changes or concerns to nursing staff
• Assist patients with basic needs such as positioning, feeding, and personal hygiene, as directed by nursing staff
• Maintain a safe and clean environment for patients, adhering to infection control policies and procedures
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members to provide compassionate and respectful care
• Participate in the development and implementation of individualized patient care plans
• Assist in the transport of patients within the hospital as needed
• Adhere to all hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge

Qualifications/Licenses

• Education: High school graduate or equivalent required for Levels 3 and 4
• Certification:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association required at time of hire
  • Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training and certification required within one (1) year of hire
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • High school graduate or equivalent for Levels 1 and 2
  • Previous experience in a healthcare setting, especially in a patient observation or patient care role

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong observational and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach to care
• Ability to remain calm and focused in stressful situations
• Basic understanding of medical terminology and patient care procedures
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members
• Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems is a plus

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift, move, and assist patients as necessary
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity to perform tasks
• Ability to respond quickly to patient needs and emergencies
• Direct contact with patients and exposure to bodily fluids
• Healthcare setting, which may include exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials
• Adherence to standard precautions and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Build a foundation for a healthcare career with tuition reimbursement, certification bonuses, and ongoing training and professional development.
• Impactful Work: Help keep patients safe and supported every shift, working side by side with nursing staff to deliver compassionate, high-quality care.
• Community & Lifestyle: Located in Boone, North Carolina, UNC Health Appalachian offers the opportunity to live and work in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with access to hiking, skiing, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and year-round outdoor recreation.
• Meaningful Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive insurance coverage, retirement benefits with employer match, paid time off, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and college savings resources, an award-winning wellness program, employee-to-employee financial assistance, and discounts to attractions such as Dollywood and Tweetsie Railroad.
• Inclusive Culture: UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and is committed to creating a fair, inclusive hiring process and a workplace where every team member is respected and valued.

Ready to make a difference in patient safety and care? Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian as a Patient Observation Specialist and make a lasting impact on the patients and community we serve.

About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.