Patient Sitter

Lifepoint Health•Johnstown, PA

23h•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 moment 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.
Adheres to the following SRMC Policies / Philosophies: Attendance, Safety, Customer and Needs, Continuous Improvement, Process Focus, Communication, HIPPA / Patient Privacy, Teamwork, Dress Code / Hygiene.
Has completed all annual training in LifeTalent Center / Healthstream.

Nice To Haves

The sitter may not adjust or remove restraints.
The sitter may have reading material while on duty, but may only read when the patient is asleep.
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.
The sitter will be relieved for breaks and meals but may not leave the patient until physically relieved by another staff member.

Responsibilities

Observe the patient and maintain a safe environment; they must always have continuous and unobstructed view of the patient.
Notify the nurse immediately if the patient complains of discomfort.
Accompany the patient for any test or procedures off the unit.
Accompany surgical patients to the Holding Area.
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, with the bathroom door remaining open and sitter having 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.
Read to the patient, play a board game or cards, turn on the television and engage 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.
Not make or receive personal phone calls while on duty or use a personal cell phone.
Notify the nurse in the case of an emergency that he/she needs to be relieved to make a phone call.
Not leave until he/she has been relieved.
Have reading material while on duty, but may only read when the patient is asleep.
Be relieved for breaks and meals but may not leave the patient until physically relieved by another staff member.