Patient Sitter

This position assists staff in safeguarding the safety of patients in the Emergency Department or inpatient unit by providing continuous observation of the patient.

MAJOR TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Is oriented to sitter form, including location of Fire Extinguishers, Location of Fire Pull Station and Floor Evacuation Plan, Emergency Telephone Numbers and Page Codes.
• Complies with the following rules of conduct:
• Keeps eyes on patient at all times, including monitoring of patient off the unit and/or to bathroom.
• No cell phone use, eating or drinking at the bedside.
• Sleeping on the job is prohibited and will result in being sent home.
• If sitter is for patient with suicide risk,
• Always positions self no closer than arms-length of the patient, keeping eyes on the patient at all times
• Does not turn their back on the patient even if the patient requests privacy
• Does not give personal belongings to patient without checking with the registered nurse.
• Is knowledgeable of operation of call bell system.
• Refers all visitors to nursing staff.
• Uses observation record to ensure patient safety, including finger foods/safety tray, post-visitor patient room check, and reporting changes in status to RN or Provider.

DEMONSTRATED BEHAVIORS

• Demonstrates and exemplifies Code of Conduct and Ethical Behavior by:
• Considering first the well-being of the patient.
• Conducting all interactions with patients, visitors, employees, physicians, volunteers, healthcare providers or any other individuals in a courteous, honest, and respectful manner.
• Demonstrating ethical and professional behavior at all times.
• Refraining from conduct that may reasonably be considered offensive to others or disruptive to the workplace or patient care. Offensive conduct may be written, oral, or behavioral.
• Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development as demonstrated by attendance at continuing education and in-service programs. Meets mandatory in-service and competency requirements.
• All employees are responsible for providing excellent customer service through words and actions that support our commitment to caring and quality.
• All employees are responsible for creating a culture of employee and patient safety and for ensuring the highest quality of care for patients throughout Jones Memorial Hospital.
• Arrives for work on time and as scheduled.
• Is knowledgeable and practices safely using infection control, universal precaution and safety protocols. Uses appropriate universal precautions, infection control practices, along with proper lifting and transfer techniques to promote patient and employee safety.
• Is knowledgeable and complies with hospital policies and procedures.
• May assist in the promotion of our institution and profession by participation in hospital promotion and health fair activities.
• Performs other duties as requested within the scope of applicable licensure, abilities and policies.
• When Staffing needs dictate, may work an alternate shift or be scheduled to work on an on-call basis. Employees scheduled on call must report within 30 minutes of receiving a call.
• If applicable, demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to all ages of patients as documented by training and competency assessment.

EDUCATION : High school diploma or equivalency.

EXPERIENCE : One month (preferred).

CONTACTS : Frequent contact with patients, employees, visitors and physicians.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS : May sit for long periods of time, may be required to stand and walk intermittently.

WORKING CONDITIONS : Possible exposure to infections, communicable diseases from working in a patient care area.