Patient Sitter

Job Summary
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.
Reports to: Director of Emergency Department
FLSA: Non-exempt

Job Requirements
Minimum Education
High School Diploma GED or equivalent work experience:
X Preferred
Required Skills
Certifications:
The below certifications will be required within 30 days of hire:
X Basic Life Support (BLS)
Clear communication listing and observation skills.
Ability to respond swiftly - physically able to sit stand bend brace and lift at a moments 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.

Essential Functions
Sitters observe the patient and maintain a safe environment; they must always have continuous and unobstructed view of the patient.
The sitter may not adjust or remove restraints. If the patient complains of discomfort the sitter is to notify the nurse immediately.
The sitter will accompany the patient for any test or procedures off the unit. The sitter will accompany surgical patients to the Holding Area. The sitter will remain within arms length of the patient until relieved by the RN.
Sitters will attempt to prevent the patient from pulling out lines/tubes.
Sitters will attempt to prevent the patient from getting out of bed if there is an activity level of bed rest ordered.
Sitter may assist patient to the bathroom if activity level permits and RN approves. Bathroom door will remain open and sitter will have direct view of patient at all times.
At the discretion of the nurse the sitter may assist with ambulation and feeding.
The sitter should assist the patient with obtaining fluids consuming meals wiping their face etc.
Sitters may read to the patient play a board game or cards turn on the television and engage on general conversation.
Patient requests for assistance are referred to the nursing staff via call bell system.
Always protect the patients dignity and privacy by keeping the patient covered the patient room door closed etc.
The sitter may not make or receive personal phone calls while on duty or use a personal cell 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 may have reading material while on duty but may only read when the patient is asleep.
The sitter will be relieved for breaks and meals but may not leave the patient until physically relieved by another staff member.

Functional Demands
Populations Served
Does not treat or care for patients.
Neonate ( Infant ( Early Childhood (1 year and Late Childhood (5 years and Adolescent (13 and X Young Adult (17 to X Middle Adult (30 years to X Older Adult (>60 years)
Protected Health Information
Type of Protected Information Accessed:
X Demographic
X Clinical
Insurance
Financial
Complete Medical Record
Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure
While performing this job occupational exposure is present for all employees
Physical Requirements - Physical Dexterity and Effort: Rarely Bending/Stooping rarely occasionally frequently X constantly
Climbing rarely X occasionally frequently constantly
Keyboard Data Entry rarely X occasionally frequently constantly
Kneeling rarely X occasionally frequently constantly
Lifting/Moving Patients rarely occasionally X frequently constantly
Reaching rarely occasionally X frequently constantly
Repetitive Foot/Leg Movements rarely occasionally X frequently constantly
Repetitive Hand/Arm Movements rarely occasionally X frequently constantly
Running X rarely occasionally frequently constantly
Sitting rarely occasionally X frequently constantly
Squatting rarely X occasionally frequently constantly
Standing rarely X occasionally frequently constantly
Walking rarely X occasionally frequently constantly
Pushing / Pulling: 0-25 lbs. rarely occasionally X frequently constantly
Pushing / Pulling: 26-75 lbs. rarely occasionally X frequently constantly
Pushing/Pulling: over 75 lbs. rarely occasionally X frequently constantly
Lifting/Carrying (non-patient) : 0-25 lbs. rarely X occasionally frequently constantly
Lifting/Carrying (non-patient) : 26-75 lbs. rarely X occasionally frequently constantly
Lifting/Carrying (non-patient) : over 75 lbs. rarely X occasionally frequently constantly
Visual Acuity Hearing and Speaking: Rarely Audible Speech rarely occasionally frequently X constantly
Hearing Acuity rarely occasionally frequently X constantly
Smelling Acuity X rarely occasionally frequently constantly
Taste Discrimination X rarely occasionally frequently constantly
Vision: Depth Perception rarely occasionally frequently X constantly
Vision: Distinguish Color X rarely occasionally frequently constantly
Vision: Seeing Far rarely occasionally frequently X constantly
Vision: Seeing Near rarely occasionally frequently X constantly
Biological: Rarely Biohazardous waste/ hazards X rarely occasionally frequently constantly
Blood and/or bodily fluids rarely X occasionally frequently constantly
Communicable diseases/pathogens rarely X occasionally frequently constantly
Chemical: Rarely Asbestos or lead X rarely occasionally frequently constantly
Cytotoxic Chemicals X rarely occasionally frequently constantly
Dust X rarely occasionally frequently constantly
Hazardous Chemicals X rarely occasionally frequently constantly
Gases/Vapors/Fumes X rarely occasionally frequently constantly
Hazardous Medication X rarely occasionally frequently constantly
Latex rarely occasionally frequently X constantly
Organizational Expectations
Adheres to the following NPMC Policies / Philosophies:
1.) Attendance
2.) Safety
3.) Customer and Needs
4.) Continuous Improvement
5.) Process Focus
6.) Communication
7.) HIPPA / Patient Privacy
8.) Teamwork
9.) Dress Code / Hygiene
10.) Has completed all annual training in LifeTalent Center / Healthstream