Observational Patient Sitter - Mercy Hospital, South St Louis

Towne Park • Saint Louis, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Observational Patient Sitter is a non-clinical role providing bedside observation and assistance to an assigned patient in a hospital or medical center. The sitter remains with and monitors the patient, reports physical or other activity to nursing staff, and may assist with simple non-clinical tasks such as reading, answering the phone, and providing water. The role does not provide nursing or medical care. Duties are performed under the direction of the nurse in charge, and the sitter must contact nursing staff when the patient needs additional assistance or when a medical emergency or irregular behavior is observed.

The sitter maintains a safe, clean, and orderly patient environment; communicates professionally with patients, visitors, coworkers, and clients; follows site safety, security, and emergency procedures; and completes assigned tasks and documentation according to applicable standards and policies. The work schedule may include morning and evening shifts, 8- or 12-hour shifts, and rotating weekends. Different shifts may be required based on location needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, and at least one month of previous experience working with a patient or related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 18 years of age for insurance purposes.
• Ability to read, speak, and write standard English and understand simple instructions, correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence and understand 24-hour and military time systems.
• Ability to use telephones, codes and alarms, two-way radios, and basic computer or typing functions.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, remain calm under pressure, and work 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 rotating weekends, and potentially different shifts based on location needs.
• Must 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 at all times unless relieved by an appropriate staff member.
• Observe and monitor the patient’s activity and provide physical or other activity reports to nursing staff.
• Verbally calm or reorient patients who are agitated or confused.
• Assist with simple non-clinical needs, such as reading to the patient, answering the phone, providing water, and delivering requested messages, items, or amenities.
• Contact nursing staff when the patient needs additional assistance, displays irregular behavior, or has a medical emergency; do not provide medical assistance.
• Remove visible hazards or broken equipment from the immediate environment and report safety concerns.
• Help keep the patient’s room clean, safe, and orderly.
• Respond professionally to patients and visitors, including providing directions and answering general inquiries as appropriate.
• Maintain patient and business confidentiality.
• Follow site-specific safety and security procedures, safe lifting practices, and hospital disaster codes and response plans.
• Report accidents and incidents observed during the shift immediately to the appropriate supervisor.
• Use only equipment for which training has been provided and operate equipment safely.
• Complete assigned tasks and required logs in a timely manner and follow applicable standard operating procedures, policies, attendance standards, and appearance standards.

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
• Education Level: High school or GED