Sitter - Skilled Nursing Facility Job Elmira area,New York USA,Nursing

MAIN FUNCTION: Provide observation to patients age 16 and over who require continuous observation. The primary purpose of this job position is to render routine daily observation and restorative care and services to maintain the safety of the patient in accordance with the patient's rights and care plan and under the direction of a professional nurse. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform;

the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position. The Sitter reports directly to the Unit Director or designee.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

PERSONNEL FUNCTIONS:

The sitter reports to the charge nurse on arrival to the unit.

Personal appearance standards are followed for sitter attire.

While the sitter's preference is considered when assigning breaks and lunch times, overall patient needs take precedence over individual requests. The sitter may not leave for break without Registered Nurse (RN) permission and the provision of continuous monitoring during the sitter's absence

The sitter may not make or receive personal phone calls while on duty. The use of personal electronic devices while performing the duties of a sitter is strictly forbidden. In the case of an emergency, the sitter will notify the RN that he/she needs to take a break to make a telephone call and wait for someone to relieve him/her. Any personal calls will be made only on official break time and away from patient care areas.

Sitters are never to sleep while on duty.

Sitters may not have personal reading material while on duty.

PATIENT CARE FUNCTIONS:

The sitter may be present and overhear discussions related to the medical condition of the patient. These conversations are confidential and should not be repeated or shared with anyone.

The sitter does not engage in conversations with the patient regarding his/her medical condition or plan of care nor does he/she offer suggestions. The sitter will refer the patient to the nurse or physician to answer any questions regarding care.

The sitter monitors the patient's verbalizations and immediately informs the nurse if the patient expresses any idea or intention to hurt self/others or leave without physician's permission (elopement or Against Medical Advice {AMA}).

Sitters observe the patient and maintain a safe environment, and as delegated by the RN, may provide care to the patient that does not interfere with the ability to maintain continuous visual contact.

Clinical Assistants assigned as sitters will complete all aspects of ADL's for all patients in the room. This includes but is not limited to the following: vital signs, bathing, feeding, toileting, ROM and restraints as outlined in the restraint protocol

Where applicable, agency staff may provide care within the scope of their regular practice and competency level.

Sitters remain in the patient's room with an unobstructed view of the patient. Patient requests (that the sitter cannot accommodate/respond to) for assistance are promptly referred to the nursing staff via the Spectra Link phone or call light/intercom system.

The sitter accompanies the patient for any clinical tests or procedures off the unit. The sitter remains within an arm's length distance of the patient unless otherwise directed by the person performing the test or procedure.

The sitter may be assigned to monitor two patients in the same room. The sitter positions him/herself to maintain an unobstructed view of both patients. Additional staff must be provided if patient activity (e.g., patient ambulating in the hall, patient in the restroom or patient transported off the unit) prevents the sitter from simultaneously monitoring both patients.

While on duty, a sitter may not leave the patient's room without RN approval and/or relief.

If the sitter is instructed to leave the room temporarily while the patient receives care, he/she waits outside the door so that he/she can resume duty without delay.

If the patient's visitor requests that the sitter leave the room temporarily, the sitter must first obtain RN approval.

Sitter should turn on/off or adjust the station or volume on a radio or television only at the patient's request. The volume on the radio/television should be adjusted so as not to disturb other patients.

If the patient is restrained, the sitter:

May not remove or adjust restraints, except for in an emergency, or if instructed to do so by an RN. Notify the RN if the patient complains of discomfort or attempts to remove the restraint(s).

Must ensure that the patient's dignity is preserved: patient is covered, curtains pulled, door adjusted to provide privacy.

Must ensure that essential care needs are addressed (e.g., if upper limbs are restrained assist patient with facial tissue use, etc.)

In the event of an emergency or a sudden change in the patient's condition/behavior (e.g., medical emergency or escape attempt), the…