Patient Sitter

Lifepoint Health•Rutherfordton, NC

About The Position

A Patient Sitter provides direct patient observation and contributes to care planning by communicating with the RN and other patient care team members. The sitter helps maintain the standard of care and a safe environment for assigned patients who require close supervision because of behavioral health issues. The position works under the direct supervision of the RN and completes duties as assigned. The role is non-exempt and reports to the Director of Emergency Department. The sitter maintains a continuous, unobstructed view of the patient; accompanies patients to off-unit tests and procedures and surgical patients to the Holding Area; and remains within arm’s length until relieved by the RN. The sitter does not adjust or remove restraints and must promptly notify the nurse if a patient reports discomfort. Other tasks may include preventing patients from removing lines or tubes or getting out of bed when bed rest is ordered, assisting with bathroom use when permitted and approved by the RN, and assisting with ambulation or feeding at the nurse’s discretion. Sitters may also help patients obtain fluids and meals, provide simple engagement, and refer requests for assistance to nursing staff through the call bell system. The sitter protects the patient’s dignity and privacy, follows limits on personal phone use and reading while on duty, and does not leave the patient until physically relieved by another staff member. The position requires calm, clear communication and the ability to respond swiftly and maintain composure with distressed or combative patients in stressful situations. Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens is present for all employees.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience is required.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required at the time of hire.
Clear communication, listening, and observation skills.
Ability to respond swiftly and physically sit, stand, bend, brace, and lift at a moment’s notice.
Calm, confident manner and ability to remain composed during escalation or high-stress situations, including with distressed or combative patients.
Critical-thinking skills and decisive judgment.
Ability to work with minimal supervision in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.

Responsibilities

Maintain continuous, unobstructed observation of the patient and help maintain a safe environment.
Communicate with the RN and other patient care team members about patient care and observations.
Accompany patients to tests and procedures off the unit and accompany surgical patients to the Holding Area; remain within arm’s length until relieved by the RN.
Notify the nurse immediately if a patient complains of discomfort related to restraints; do not adjust or remove restraints.
Attempt to prevent patients from pulling out lines or tubes and from getting out of bed when bed rest is ordered.
Assist patients with bathroom use when the activity level permits and the RN approves, maintaining direct view of the patient.
Assist with ambulation or feeding when directed at the nurse’s discretion, and help patients obtain fluids, consume meals, or attend to basic needs such as wiping their face.
Engage patients through activities such as reading to them, playing games, turning on the television, or general conversation.
Refer patient requests for assistance to nursing staff through the call bell system.
Protect patient dignity and privacy, including keeping the patient covered and the room door closed as appropriate.
Do not make or receive personal calls or use a personal cell phone while on duty; notify the nurse and obtain relief before making an emergency call.
Read only when the patient is asleep and take breaks or meals only after being physically relieved by another staff member.
Adhere to organizational policies and expectations, including attendance, safety, customer needs, continuous improvement, process focus, communication, patient privacy, teamwork, dress and hygiene, and annual training requirements.