Patient Sitter

Lifepoint Health•Missoula, MT

6h•Onsite

About The Position

A Patient Sitter provides direct patient observation and input in planning care through communication with the RN and other patient care team members. Is effectively involved with maintaining the standard of care for assigned patients through communication with the care team. Maintains competency and possesses the skills to provide a safe environment to those medical patients requiring close supervision because of behavioral health issues. Completes duties as assigned and performs duties under the direct supervision of the RN.

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification at the time of hire
Clear communication, listening and observation skills
Ability to respond swiftly - physically able to sit, stand, bend, brace and lift at a moment's notice
Calm confident manner and able to remain calm during moments of escalation or high stress
Maintain composure with distressed or combative patient(s)
Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision
Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action
Accesses Demographic and Clinical Protected Health Information
Occupational exposure is present for all employees
Constant Bending/Stooping
Frequent Lifting/Moving Patients
Frequent Reaching
Frequent Repetitive Foot/Leg Movements
Frequent Repetitive Hand/Arm Movements
Frequent Pushing/Pulling: 0-25 lbs.
Frequent Pushing/Pulling: 26-75 lbs.
Frequent Pushing/Pulling: over 75 lbs.
Occasional Lifting/Carrying (non-patient): 0-25 lbs.
Occasional Lifting/Carrying (non-patient): 26-75 lbs.
Occasional Lifting/Carrying (non-patient): over 75 lbs.
Constant Audible Speech
Constant Hearing Acuity
Constant Vision: Depth Perception
Constant Vision: Seeing Far
Constant Vision: Seeing Near
Occasional Blood and/or bodily fluids
Occasional Communicable diseases/pathogens
Constant Latex

Nice To Haves

The sitter may not adjust or remove restraints. If the patient complains of discomfort, the sitter is to notify the nurse immediately.
The sitter may not make or receive personal phone calls while on duty or use a personal cell phone. In the case of an emergency, the sitter must notify the nurse that he/she needs to be relieved to make a phone call. The sitter may not leave until he/she has been relieved.

Responsibilities

Observe the patient and maintain a safe environment; they must always have continuous and unobstructed view of the patient.
Accompany the patient for any test or procedures off the unit.
Accompany surgical patients to the Holding Area and remain within arm’s length of the patient until relieved by the RN.
Attempt to prevent the patient from pulling out lines/tubes.
Attempt to prevent the patient from getting out of bed if there is an activity level of bed rest ordered.
Assist patient to the bathroom if activity level permits and RN approves, ensuring the bathroom door remains open and sitter has direct view of patient at all times.
Assist with ambulation and feeding at the discretion of the nurse.
Assist the patient with obtaining fluids, consuming meals, wiping their face, etc.
Engage in activities such as reading to the patient, playing board games or cards, or turning on the television and engaging in general conversation.
Refer patient requests for assistance to the nursing staff via call bell system.
Protect the patient’s dignity and privacy by keeping the patient covered, the patient room door closed, etc.
May have reading material while on duty, but may only read when the patient is asleep.
Will be relieved for breaks and meals but may not leave the patient until physically relieved by another staff member.