Observational Patient Sitter - Mercy Hospital, South St Louis

Towne Park • St. Louis, MO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Observational Patient Sitter is a non-clinical role providing bedside observation and assistance while monitoring an assigned patient in a hospital or medical center. The sitter remains with the patient, reports physical or other activity to nursing staff, and may help with simple non-medical tasks such as reading, answering the phone, or getting water. The sitter works under the direction of the nurse in charge, contacts nursing staff when the patient needs additional assistance, and does not provide nursing or medical care.

The role focuses on patient service, safety, and maintaining a clean, orderly environment. It involves following Towne Health and client policies, attendance and appearance standards, site-specific safety procedures, and hospital emergency codes and response plans. The schedule may include morning or evening shifts, 8- or 12-hour shifts, and rotating weekends; shifts may vary according to location needs.

Requirements

• Ability to read, speak, and write standard English; understand simple instructions, correspondence, and memos; and write simple correspondence.
• Ability to understand 24-hour and military time systems.
• Ability to use telephones, codes and alarms, and two-way radios; perform general typing and/or basic computer tasks.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and remain calm and work under pressure in stressful situations.
• Ability to observe mentally ill patients and accept leadership and guidance from RNs and LPNs.
• Ability to work scheduled rotating 4-, 8-, or 12-hour shifts, including weekend rotation, and different shifts as needed.
• High school diploma or GED, and at least one month of previous experience working with patients or related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be at least 18 years old for insurance purposes and able to pass a criminal background check and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in a hospital setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Remain at the assigned patient's bedside unless relieved by an appropriate staff member.
• Observe the patient and report physical activity, irregular behavior, or other concerns to nursing staff.
• Verbally calm or reorient patients who are agitated or confused.
• Assist with non-clinical patient needs, such as reading, providing water, answering the phone, delivering messages or amenities, and responding to general inquiries.
• Immediately alert nursing staff when the patient needs medical assistance or an emergency or irregular behavior is identified; do not provide medical assistance.
• Help keep the patient's room clean, safe, and orderly; remove visible hazards or broken equipment from the immediate environment and report them.
• Maintain a pleasant, professional demeanor and treat patients, visitors, coworkers, and clients with courtesy, respect, and dignity.
• Answer telephones promptly and politely, follow phone etiquette standards, and assist visitors with directions and general information as appropriate.
• Maintain patient and business confidentiality.
• Complete assigned tasks and logs in a timely manner, following instructions, standard operating procedures, and Towne Health policies.
• Follow appearance and attendance standards, including wearing the approved uniform.
• Follow site-specific safety and security procedures, use safe lifting techniques, and report accidents, incidents, hazards, and safety concerns promptly.
• Use only equipment for which trained and operate it safely.
• Learn and follow hospital disaster codes and response plans.
• Maintain a clean and neat work environment, including surrounding office, work, and desk areas.

Benefits

• Health benefits offered to all employees.
• Eligible employees may enroll in accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and telemedicine benefits.
• Eligible employees may enroll in the company's 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Select shifts receive bonus pay.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED