Patient Sitter PRN

POSITION PURPOSE

Under supervision of a licensed nurse, the Patient Sitter provides observation and minimal assistance with activities of daily living. Maintains a constant focus on safety in the medical and suicidal patient population. Assists in the provision of a safe and clean environment. Promotes the therapeutic milieu and the efficiency of the nursing team. Provides assistance with activities of daily living based upon established competence validation, unless the patient needs are such that adverse consequences are predictable.

LATITUDE, CONTACTS/INTERACTIONS

All positions of Huntsville Memorial Hospital are part of an interdisciplinary team, and as such, participate in the care and service delivery process through effective interaction with other team members. Primarily interacts with hospital staff, medical staff, patients, and visitors.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Every effort has been made to make this job description as complete as possible. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties the incumbent will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position.

• Follows established hospital policy regarding patient safety measures such as infection prevention, safe patient handling and movement, notification of the licensed nurse when patient behavior/activities change to insure patient safety.
• Works collaboratively with nursing staff to care for the basic needs of each patient and quickly respond to patient requests to insure patient safety and enhance the patient's experience.
• Provides constant observation to those requiring a 1:1 sitter, working with the patient care team to ensure seamless safety coverage.
• Works collaboratively with Nurse to ensure environment is safe, including meal trays and other environmental hazards.
• Documents accurately and efficiently all patient behaviors and activities at the time intervals set by policy related to the type of sitter service being provided.

• Monitors, records and communicates patient condition as appropriate utilizing computerized documentation systems or paper documentation as appropriate
• Provides age and culturally appropriate care
• Orients and mentors new staff members
• Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required
• Maintains patient confidentiality and appropriate handling of PHI.

• Communicates to appropriate team member's pertinent patient information in order to improve patient outcomes and maintain patient safety.
• Adapts to change in a positive and professional manner in an attempt to support the hospital mission, vision, and values. Follows all hospital policies in regards to appearance, behavior, and attendance.
• Maintains confidentiality of the patient's plan of care speaking only of the ordered observation to the care team.
• Adheres to infection prevention protocols.
• Demonstrates adaptability, problem solving and professional behavior at all times.
• Abides by the HMH Legal Compliance Code of Conduct.

• Maintains a safe work environment and reports safety concerns appropriately.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school diploma or GED required.

Experience: prior healthcare experience preferred.

Licensure/Certification: Basic Life Support certification required within 30 days of employment, before patient care is administered independently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Frequent: standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling & reaching.

Occasional: sitting, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, & twisting.

Visual and hearing acuity required; Color vision required for perceiving changes in patients’ skin color. Work is mostly inside, with good ventilation and comfortable temperature.

Possible exposure to: toxic/caustic chemicals or detergents, moving mechanical parts, potential electric shock, radiant energy, communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens.

Benefits