Emergency Department - Sitter - AOMC - FT - Day/Evening

Arnot Health System•City of Elmira, NY

44d•$17 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Provide observation to patients who require continuous observation. The primary purpose of this job position is to render routine daily observation 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. The Sitter reports directly to the Unit Director or designee.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent experience required.
No experience required.
BLS CPR required within 90 days of hire date.

Responsibilities

Refer the patient to the nurse or physician to answer any questions regarding care.
Monitor the patient's verbalizations and immediately inform 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).
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. In accordance with training, responsible for maintaining the patient's safety which includes, but is not limited to, providing CPR, keeping the patient from removing invasive lines, and keeping the patient from climbing out of bed.
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 phone or call light/intercom system.
Accompany the patient for any clinical tests or procedures off the unit. Remain within an arm's length distance of the patient unless otherwise directed by the person performing the test or procedure.
Remain in the patient's room unless there is RN approval and/or qualified relief.
Wait outside the door if instructed to leave the room temporarily while the patient receives care.
Obtain RN approval to leave room if the patient's visitor requests that the sitter leave the room temporarily.
Turn on/off or adjust the station or volume on a radio or television only at the patient's request.
If the patient is restrained: Remove or adjust restraints only 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). Ensure that the patient's dignity is preserved: patient is covered, curtains pulled, door adjusted to provide privacy. 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), notify the RN immediately.
Feed patients upon assessment and delegation by an RN.
Operate all equipment in a safe manner after receiving in-service on how to use equipment.
Report defective equipment to Unit Director/Charge Nurse immediately.
Follow policies and procedures related to Standard Precautions.
Follow emergency protocols.
Promote and foster the mission and philosophy of the Hospital during performance of job duties and community activities.
Actively support and participate in the Hospital Continuous Quality Improvement endeavors.
Maintain confidentiality of all patients/residents care information.
Maintain the rights of all patients/residents to independent expression, decision, personal freedom, dignity, and freedom from abuse or social isolation.
Provide privacy for patients/residents / knock before entering the patient's room, close door or curtain before performing procedures.
Report patient/resident's complaints or grievances to Charge Nurse as soon as possible.
Attend all annual mandatory educational programs as required by position.
Understand and demonstrate the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer's needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience with the Arnot Health.
This job description lists typical duties for the classification and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned.