Patient Sitter

Job Summary

A Patient Sitter provides direct patient observation and input in planning care through communication with the RN and other patient care team members. Is effectively involved with maintaining the standard of care for assigned patients through communication with the care team. Maintains competency and possesses the skills to provide a safe environment to those medical patients requiring close supervision because of behavioral health issues.

Completes duties as assigned and performs duties under the direct supervision of the RN.

Reports to:

Director of Emergency Department

FLSA:
Non-exempt

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience.

Required:

Basic Life Support (BLS).

Clear communication, listing and observation skills.

Ability to respond swiftly – physically able to sit, stand, bend, brace, and lift at a moment's notice.

Calm confident manner and able to remain calm during moments of escalation or high stress.

Maintain composure with distressed or combative patient(s).

Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment, and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.

• Sitters observe the patient and maintain a safe environment; they must always have continuous and unobstructed view of the patient.
• The sitter may not adjust or remove restraints. If the patient complains of discomfort, the sitter is to notify the nurse immediately.
• The sitter will accompany the patient for any test or procedures off the unit.
• The sitter will accompany surgical patients to the Holding Area.
• The sitter will remain within arm’s length of the patient until relieved by the RN.
• Sitters will attempt to prevent the patient from pulling out lines/tubes.
• Sitters will attempt to prevent the patient from getting out of bed if there is an activity level of bed rest ordered.
• Sitter may assist patient to the bathroom if activity level permits and RN approves. Bathroom door will remain open and sitter will have direct view of patient at all times.
• At the discretion of the nurse, the sitter may assist with ambulation and feeding.
• The sitter should assist the patient with obtaining fluids, consuming meals, wiping their face, etc.
• Sitters may read to the patient, play a board game or cards, turn on the television and engage on general conversation.
• Patient requests for assistance are referred to the nursing staff via call bell system.
• Always protect the patient’s dignity and privacy by keeping the patient covered, the patient room door closed, etc.
• The sitter may not make or receive personal phone calls while on duty or use a personal cell phone. In case of an emergency, the sitter must notify the nurse that he/she needs to be relieved to make a phone call. The sitter may not leave until he/she has been relieved.
• The sitter may have reading material while on duty, but may only read when the patient is asleep.
• The sitter will be relieved for breaks and meals but may not leave the patient until physically relieved by another staff member.

Populations Served:
Does not treat or care for patients. Neonate, Infant, Early Childhood (1 year), Late Childhood (5 years), Adolescent (13 years), Young Adult (17 to 30 years), Middle Adult (30 to 60 years), Older Adult (>60 years).

Type of Protected Information Accessed:
Demographic, Clinical, Insurance, Financial, Complete Medical Record.

While performing this job, occupational exposure is present for all employees.

• Physical Dexterity and Effort:
  Rarely Bending/Stooping – rarely; occasionally; frequently; constantly.
• Climbing – rarely; occasionally; frequently; constantly.
• Keyboard Data Entry – rarely; occasionally; frequently; constantly.
• Kneeling – rarely; occasionally; frequently; constantly.
• Lifting/Moving Patients – rarely; occasionally; frequently; constantly.
• Reaching – rarely; occasionally; frequently; constantly.
• Repetitive Foot/Leg Movements – rarely; occasionally; frequently; constantly.
• Repetitive Hand/Arm Movements – rarely;…