Patient Sitter

Lifepoint Health•Rutherfordton, NC

13h

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. The role supports the standard of care for assigned patients and helps maintain a safe environment for medical patients who require close supervision because of behavioral health issues. The Patient Sitter performs assigned duties under the direct supervision of the RN and must remain with the patient until physically relieved by another staff member. 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 helps prevent patients from removing lines or tubes or getting out of bed when bed rest is ordered, and may assist with permitted activities when approved by the RN. Patient requests for assistance are referred to nursing staff. The sitter protects patient dignity and privacy and follows applicable safety, communication, attendance, teamwork, dress, hygiene, and patient-privacy policies.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required at the time of hire.
Clear communication, listening, and observation skills.
Ability to respond swiftly and to sit, stand, bend, brace, and lift at a moment’s notice.
Calm, confident manner and ability to remain calm during escalation or high-stress situations.
Ability to maintain composure 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

Observe the patient continuously and maintain a safe environment with an unobstructed view.
Communicate with the RN and other patient care team members and provide input in planning care.
Notify the nurse immediately if a patient complains of discomfort related to restraints; do not adjust or remove restraints.
Accompany patients to off-unit tests and procedures and accompany surgical patients to the Holding Area, remaining within arm’s length until relieved by the RN.
Attempt to prevent patients from pulling out lines or tubes and from getting out of bed when bed rest is ordered.
Assist a patient to the bathroom when the activity level permits and the RN approves, keeping the door open and maintaining direct view of the patient.
Assist with ambulation and feeding when directed by the nurse.
Help patients obtain fluids, consume meals, and attend to basic comfort needs such as wiping their face.
Engage patients with reading, games, television, or general conversation as appropriate.
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 phone calls or use a personal cell phone while on duty; request relief from the nurse before making an emergency call.
Read personal material only when the patient is asleep.
Remain with the patient during breaks and meals until physically relieved by another staff member.
Complete assigned duties and annual training, and adhere to organizational policies and expectations.