PATIENT CARE SITTER-CNA (36 HOURS/WEEK, NIGHTS)

Riverside Healthcare offers a dual-role position combining direct patient observation with hands-on care in an acute-care setting. Under nursing supervision, the sitter/CNA maintains a safe, supportive environment for patients at risk for falls, elopement, or self-harm, while demonstrating flexibility across professional duties.

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous monitoring of patients at risk for injury or harm.
• Notify nursing staff immediately of any changes in patient condition or behaviors.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, and toileting.
• Answer call lights promptly and relay patient concerns to the nursing team.
• Accurately measure and record vital signs: blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, weights, and blood sugars.
• Assist with patient mobility: turning, repositioning, transferring, and ambulation using proper body mechanics and safety techniques.
• Monitor and report changes in patient conditions; ensure safety and comfort following established protocols.
• Utilize restraints and assistive devices appropriately; assist with emergency codes as needed.
• Document patient care activities and observations in the electronic health record (EHR) system.
• Collect specimens (urine, stool) for laboratory testing as directed.
• Adhere to infection control procedures: hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, and environmental cleaning.
• Set up, operate, and clean medical equipment as directed.
• Engage with patients and families to promote comfort, trust, and understanding; address concerns with empathy and professionalism.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment through constructive feedback and open communication.
• Maintain annual education requirements for hospital-based certifications (e.g., DNV, CARF).
• Assist with maintaining a clean and orderly patient room, including tidying and removing clutter.
• Transport patients between departments or to diagnostic tests as directed.
• Support unit tasks: stocking supplies and setting up patient care equipment.
• Participate in hospital training programs and continuing education to enhance patient care skills.

Requirements

• Current certification as a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the state of Illinois.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
• Preferred: Previous experience in a hospital or acute care setting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the healthcare team.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer skills for documentation in electronic health records.

Benefits

• Competitive base compensation within the pay range based on qualifications, skills, experience, and training.
• Premium pay: shift differential, on-call opportunities.
• Annual performance-based increases.
• Paid Time Off programs (for 0.5 to 1.0 FTE).
• Health and welfare benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability.
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.
• Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work (for 0.001 to 0.49 FTE).

Pay

USD $19.02 - USD $23.46 per hour.

Schedule

• Average hours per week: 40.
• Shift: Variable for 24-hour coverage.

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements

• Exposure to Chemicals: Refer to MSDS sheets.
• Video Display Terminals: Average usage.
• Blood and Body Fluids: Depends on patient diagnosis; exposure to urine, blood, stool, vomitus, AIDS, Herpes.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: High risk (sputum, secretions, coughing); usage of PPE, properly fit-tested masks, and universal precautions minimize risk.

Sensory Requirements

• Speech: Required to communicate with patients, families, staff, doctors, coworkers, and ancillary personnel; ability to ask for help.
• Vision: Required to observe patients; reading equipment and dials.
• Smell: Helpful to note presence of incontinence, vomitus, blood; electrical/fire safety.
• Hearing: Necessary to hear alarms, calls for help, and patient verbalizations.
• Touch: Contact with patients; need to distinguish between hot and cold.

Activity/Lifting Requirements

• Percentage of time during the normal workday:
  • Sit: 10%
  • Twist: 5%
  • Stand: 45%
  • Crawl: 0%
  • Walk: 25%
  • Kneel: 0%
  • Lift: 6%
  • Drive: 0%
  • Squat: 2%
  • Climb: 1%
  • Bend: 5%
  • Reach above shoulders: 1%
• Weight lifted each normal workday:
  • Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
  • Up to 20 lbs: Frequently
  • Up to 35 lbs: Frequently
  • Up to 60 lbs: Occasionally
  • Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
  • Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
  • Over 100 lbs: Not Required
• Lifting and Carrying Requirements:
  • Lifting patients unable to move independently is done with assistive lifting equipment.
  • Horizontal movement of patients to/from carts/beds is done with assistive lifting equipment.
  • Lifting equipment: carry 25'-150' waist high (IV bags, patient trays).
  • Carry charts 25'-150' waist high.
  • Filled laundry bags are half full to avoid exceeding 35 lbs.
  • Carry fire extinguishers down ½ flight of stairs or up 3-4 flights and several yards in an emergency.
• Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday:
  • Sit: 30
  • Twist: 15
  • Stand: 60
  • Crawl: 0
  • Walk: 15
  • Kneel: 0
  • Lift: 5
  • Drive: 0
  • Squat: 5
  • Climb: 1
  • Bend: 15
  • Reach above shoulders: 5
• Repetitive Use of Hands:
  • Simple grasp: 15 lbs.
  • Pushing & pulling: 50-200 lbs (occasionally).
  • Fine manipulation: taking temperature with probe, opening juice/milk containers, silverware, soap packages, handling CS tags, using writing instruments.
• Repetitive use of foot/feet in operating machine control:
  • Bed lock and cardiac chair: at least 50 lbs of pressure.
  • Hydraulic tub lift: at least 50 lbs of pressure.

Environmental Factors and Special Hazards

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
  • Inside hours: 6-40
  • Outside hours: 0
  • Temperature: Normal Range
  • Lighting: Average
  • Noise levels: Average
  • Humidity: Normal Range
  • Atmosphere: Odors
• Special Hazards:
  • Radiation, chemical, explosive (chemicals, drugs, oxygen).
  • Protective clothing required: gowns, gloves, goggles, masks, HEPA masks for TB.