Patient Observation Specialist

Position Overview

The Patient Observation Specialist provides continuous observation and monitoring of assigned patients to ensure their safety and well-being. This role works closely with nursing staff to support high-quality, compassionate care, assist with patient needs, and maintain a safe, clean environment. The Patient Observation Specialist communicates effectively and participates in individualized care plans while adhering to hospital policies and regulatory requirements.

Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range begins at $16.00 per hour and is eligible for shift differentials for applicable times.

The Perks and Benefits

• Collaborative environment – Work alongside a dedicated healthcare team committed to patient safety and high-quality care.
• Professional development – Participate in ongoing training, certification opportunities, and career advancement support.
• Patient-centered care – Make a meaningful impact on patient recovery and comfort.
• Scenic location – Boone, NC offers outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and a welcoming community.
• Mission-driven culture – Join a healthcare system that values compassion, excellence, and innovation.
• Compensation is commensurate upon education & experience – range is $15.00 per hour or more. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is a non-exempt position with shift differential.
• Comprehensive benefits package to include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as HSA.
• Supplemental insurance to include short and long-term disability insurance, accidental insurance, life insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, identity theft protection, legal insurance, etc.
• Student loan refinancing benefit and college savings fund as well as tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid time off – front-loaded for the first year for qualifying part-time and full-time employees (amount based on status and FTE at the time of hire) – paid time off accrual begins following the first year of employment. Cash out option also available for qualifying employees by meeting specified criteria.
• Paid parental leave – qualifying employees are eligible to use two (2) weeks of paid parental leave anytime during the first six (6) months following the birth or adoption of a child – to be taken consecutively.
• Employee Wellness program – Love Your Life – award-winning voluntary wellness program available for UNC Health Appalachian employees. Employees enrolled on the organization's health plan can enroll with our health screening (biometrics and labs) and earn program incentives. Employees who are not enrolled on the organization's health plan can participate in online wellness activities for a chance to earn quarterly prize drawings.
• Employee to Employee (E2E) program – Caring for our own. Employee program that is solely funded by voluntary employee donations. The money is used to financially assist co-workers that are experiencing unexpected financial hardship.
• Employee perks to include discounted rates for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, etc. (subject to change).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide continuous visual and auditory observation of assigned patients to prevent injuries or adverse events.
• Monitor and document patient behavior, promptly reporting changes to nursing staff.
• Assist patients with basic needs such as positioning, feeding, and hygiene as directed.
• Maintain a safe, clean environment and adhere to infection control protocols.
• Support patient transport within the hospital as needed.
• Participate in patient care planning and professional development activities.
• Comply with all hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.

Position Requirements Minimum Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• Previous experience in a healthcare setting preferred, especially in patient observation or care roles.

Required Registration/License/Certification

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at time of hire.
• Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification required within one (1) year of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong observational and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm, compassionate, and focused in stressful situations.
• Basic understanding of medical terminology and patient care procedures.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare teams.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, move, and assist patients as needed.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity to perform essential tasks.
• Ability to respond quickly to patient needs and emergencies.

Working Conditions

• Direct contact with patients, including exposure to bodily fluids.
• Work in healthcare environments with potential exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials.
• Adherence to standard precautions and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

About UNC Health Appalachian
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! 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.