Patient Sitter

Patient Sitter

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

Job Requirements

Minimum Education: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience

Preferred Required Skills Certifications: The below certifications will be required at the time of hire:

• 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 moment 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.

Essential Functions

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. The 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 the 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.

Functional Demands

Populations Served

Does not treat or care for patients.

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

Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure While performing this job, occupational exposure is present for all employees

Physical Requirements

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, occasionally, frequently, constantly Running rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Sitting rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Squatting rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Standing rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Walking rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Pushing / Pulling: 0-25 lbs. rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Pushing / Pulling: 26-75 lbs. rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Pushing/Pulling: over 75 lbs. rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Lifting/Carrying (non-patient) : 0-25 lbs. rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Lifting/Carrying (non-patient) : 26-75 lbs. rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Lifting/Carrying (non-patient) : over 75 lbs. rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Visual Acuity, Hearing and Speaking: Rarely Audible Speech rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Hearing Acuity rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Smelling Acuity rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Taste Discrimination rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Vision: Depth Perception rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Vision: Distinguish Color rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Vision: Seeing Far rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Vision: Seeing Near rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Biological: Rarely Biohazardous waste/ hazards rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Blood and/or bodily fluids rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Communicable diseases/pathogens rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Chemical: Rarely Asbestos or lead rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Cytotoxic Chemicals rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Dust rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Hazardous Chemicals rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Gases/Vapors/Fumes rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Hazardous Medication rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly Latex rarely, occasionally, frequently, constantly

Organizational Expectations

Adheres to the following SRMC Policies / Philosophies: 1.) Attendance 2.) Safety 3.) Customer and Needs 4.) Continuous Improvement 5.) Process Focus 6.) Communication 7.) HIPPA / Patient Privacy 8.) Teamwork 9.) Dress Code / Hygiene 10.) Has completed all annual training in LifeTalent Center / Healthstream