Virtual Patient Companion

Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 157,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4.2 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system.

While this position provides virtual patient companion services to the patients of CommonSpirit Health across the United States, this position must work on-site at our Phoenix AZ Virtual Hospital located at 3033 N. 3rd Avenue.

This position is responsible for continually monitoring patients that have been identified as being at high risk of falling, elopement, illicit drug / alcohol use, disoriented/demented, pulling out lines/tubes. and/or other areas of potential concern.   The Patient Companion monitors patients located in multiple CommonSpirit Health facilities across the United States. The patients have been identified as requiring observation on a continual basis in order to quickly identify circumstances that could impact their ongoing safety and care. Monitoring is executed from the CommonSpirit Health Care Base, utilizing live non-recorded streaming video equipment to ensure that patients are interacting with the environment in a safe and appropriate manner at all times.  

Work Requires:

• Ability to accurately recognize signs of  patient agitation, impulsiveness, pulling at lines/tubes, and/or illicit drug or alcohol use
• Capacity to take appropriate action and follow established protocols of notifying staff of patient safety concern(s) identified 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication channels with patients, colleagues, and bedside direct patient care staff.  
• Reporting potentially dangerous changes in patient behavior, and escalating communications as necessary using established protocols and best judgment.  
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, procedures, equipment, and terminology applicable to the operations of the assigned work unit

An Incumbent:

• Monitors patients utilizing video observation platforms, and telecommunication tools
• Follows proper channels of communication in handling routine and emergency situations
• Follows established protocols/procedures
• Has awareness of and strives to improve department metrics
• Represents the core values of CommonSpirit Health during all interactions

Observes assigned patients by monitoring non-recorded streaming video equipment linked to a live feed from a camera situated in the patient’s room or other hospital-specific video observation platforms

• Maintains continuous surveillance of assigned patients/rooms to ensure the patient is interacting appropriately with the care environment and surroundings; initiates communication with patients as appropriate.  
• Communicates with bedside staff in a timely, professional, and courteous manner.
• Reports camera disruption or obstructions to the patient care team in a timely manner.

Identifies changes in the patient’s behavior and/or condition in accordance with established guidelines

• In response to observed changes in patient behavior, notifies care staff of:
  • Increased agitation;
  • Interacting inappropriately with care tools (e.g. IV pumps, lines, drains or airways);
  • Attempts to leave bed/chair, etc; and
  • Concerns for patient safety.
• Identifies inappropriate behavior from patient visitors and notifies care staff.
• Identifies and requests corrective action to be taken to address obstructed camera view.

• High School Diploma, or equivalent required
• 3 years experience in direct patient care, must be recent experience (e.g., CNA, MA, LVN, etc.)
• Acute and subacute healthcare setting preferred.