SITTER

Forrest General Hospital•Hattiesburg, MS

About The Position

Under the direction of the nurse and nurse manager, the Sitter helps maintain the safety of patients who are confused, at risk of falling, or suicidal and considered a danger to themselves or others. This includes maintaining safety for patients in restraints and keeping the patient area safe and clean. The Sitter may engage patients in diversion activities such as reading, playing games or cards, or watching television. The role involves effective interaction with patients, their significant others, and nursing staff, and direct communication of observations, conditions, problems, safety issues, and concerns to nursing staff. The position is responsible to the Patient Care Coordinator and Nurse Manager on the unit for patient care, and ultimately accountable to the Administrative Nursing Director of Operations. The Sitter uses organizational strategies to contribute meaningfully to FGH Goals and Priorities and promotes and adheres to the organization's Compliance Program and Standards of Conduct. The role also includes other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks, cooperate positively with others, take orders, and follow directions precisely.
Ability to read and write and communicate effectively and positively.
Ability to maintain rapport in all situations and adapt to varied socioeconomic levels and environments.
Basic Life Support certification is required within 30 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a hospital environment.
Basic knowledge of patient care.

Responsibilities

Maintain the safety of patients who are confused, at risk of falling, or suicidal and deemed a danger to themselves or others, including patients in restraints.
Maintain a safe and clean environment in the patient area.
Participate in diversion activities with patients, such as reading, playing games or cards, or watching television.
Interact effectively with patients, their significant others, and nursing staff.
Communicate observations, patient conditions, problems, safety issues, and concerns directly to nursing staff.
Provide care appropriate to the age and population of patients served and collect and relay appropriate patient data to the nurse.
Follow unit-specific skills and procedures, including restraint procedures, 1:1 suicide precautions, and measures to prevent injury or falls.
Use the tele-sitter protocol on assigned units to help prevent patient injury or falls.
Follow policies, procedures, and standards of care, and promote organizational values related to customer service, safety, infection control, and compliance.
Communicate pertinent patient information effectively to health care team members and practice the We CARE philosophy when interacting with patients, visitors, coworkers, and physicians.
Perform other duties as assigned.