Patient CARE SITTER ED; Nights

Overview

The Patient Sitter provides continuous observation and ensures the safety of patients experiencing behavioral health challenges or mental health crises. This role supports the Emergency Department team in maintaining a secure environment for patients who may be at risk of harm to themselves or others. The sitter communicates patient behaviors, needs, and any changes in condition to the healthcare team and helps create a calm, supportive atmosphere for recovery.

• Provide continuous, direct observation of patients at risk for injury or harm, ensuring their safety at all times.
• Must accompany and remain within arm's length of patient unless otherwise directed by nursing staff.
• Perform supportive/comfort functions with approval of nursing staff (light conversation, pushing call light, repositioning covers/blankets, raising bed).
• Notify nursing staff immediately if there are changes in the patient's condition or behaviors that require clinical intervention.
• Transport patients as assigned within the ED area.
• Follow hospital policies and procedures regarding patient safety, including fall prevention, infection control, and behavior management.
• Maintain a calm and supportive presence for patients, offering comfort and reassurance.
• Accurately document patient activity, behavior, and interactions as required.
• Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.
• Assist with light housekeeping tasks in patient rooms, such as straightening beds or removing clutter.
• Provide support to unit staff with other non-direct patient care tasks during downtime.
• Participate in hospital training and educational programs as required.

• Experience in a healthcare or patient care environment preferred but not required.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in high‑stress situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Completion of one clinical rotation in a college credited health science program preferred.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• BLS certification required and kept current.

• Completion of one semester and actively enrolled (in good standing) in a college credited health science program; or graduate of an EMT‑B training curriculum; or Certified Nursing Assistant in the State of Illinois and on the Nursing Assistant Registry; or relevant and consistent work experience.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well‑being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more so your journey at and away from work is remarkable.

• Base compensation within the position’s pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training.
• Premium pay such as shift differential, on‑call.
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.

• Paid Time Off programs.
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability.
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.

• Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work.

• Chemicals:
  None.
• Video Display Terminals:
  None.
• Blood and Body Fluids:
  Overall, minimal risk of exposure to blood and body fluids.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens:
  Minimal risk.

• Speech:
  Required to communicate with patient and staff. Ability to ask for help.
• Vision:
  Required to observe patients.
• Smell:
  Needed to identify changes in patient status.
• Hearing:
  Needed…