Patient Sitter

Lifepoint Health • Johnstown, PA

22h • Onsite

About The Position

Patient Sitters work closely with Registered Nurses and other members of the patient care team to provide continuous observation and help maintain a safe environment for patients requiring close supervision. Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Patient Sitter provides direct patient observation and contributes to the planning of care through effective communication with the RN and other members of the patient care team. This role is especially important for medical patients requiring close supervision due to behavioral health concerns or other safety needs.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required at the time of hire.
• Clear communication, listening, and observation skills.
• Ability to respond swiftly to patient needs and changing situations.
• Physical ability to sit, stand, bend, brace, and lift at a moment’s notice.
• Ability to maintain a calm and confident manner during periods of escalation or high stress.
• Ability to maintain composure when interacting with distressed or combative patients.
• Strong critical thinking skills and decisive judgment.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision while following the direction of the RN and established patient care plan.
• Ability to work effectively in a stressful healthcare environment and take appropriate action when necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provides continuous patient observation and maintains an unobstructed view of the assigned patient at all times.
• Maintains a safe environment for patients requiring close supervision due to behavioral health concerns or other identified safety risks.
• Communicates observations, concerns, and changes in patient behavior or condition promptly to the RN and other appropriate members of the patient care team.
• Follows the established plan of care and performs assigned duties under the direct supervision of the RN.
• Remains within arm’s length of the patient when required and does not leave the patient until physically relieved by another appropriate staff member.
• Accompanies patients to tests and procedures outside of the unit and accompanies surgical patients to the Holding Area as directed.
• Attempts to prevent patients from pulling out lines, tubes, or other medical equipment and immediately notifies nursing staff when assistance is needed.
• Attempts to prevent patients from getting out of bed when bed rest or other activity restrictions have been ordered.
• Assists patients to the bathroom when permitted by their activity level and approved by the RN while maintaining direct observation.
• Assists with ambulation and feeding at the discretion and direction of the nurse.
• Assists patients with basic comfort needs, including obtaining fluids, consuming meals, and personal care activities as appropriate.
• Engages patients in appropriate activities such as conversation, reading, television, board games, or cards to promote comfort and positive interaction.
• Refers patient requests for additional assistance to nursing staff using the appropriate call bell or communication system.
• Protects patient dignity, privacy, and confidentiality at all times.
• Maintains a calm, confident, and professional manner during periods of patient distress, escalation, or combative behavior.
• Does not adjust or remove patient restraints. Any patient complaints of discomfort related to restraints are immediately reported to the nurse.
• Remains attentive and focused on patient observation throughout the assigned shift and follows department expectations regarding personal electronic devices and phone use.
• Takes scheduled breaks and meals only after being physically relieved by another appropriate staff member.
• Uses sound judgment and takes appropriate action in stressful or rapidly changing situations.
• Performs other duties as assigned under the direct supervision of the RN.

Benefits

• Multiple levels of medical, dental, and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
• Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave, and paid time off.
• Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance, and a 401(k) retirement package with company match.
• Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs, including free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services, and discount programs.
• Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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