Patient Sitter - Emergency Department
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. They are effectively involved with maintaining the standard of care for assigned patients through communication with the care team.
Job Requirements
- Minimum Education: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience
- Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS)
Essential Functions
- Observe the patient and maintain a safe environment; must always have continuous and unobstructed view of the patient.
- If the patient complains of discomfort, notify the nurse immediately.
- Accompany the patient for any test or procedures off the unit.
- Accompany surgical patients to the Holding Area.
- Remain within arm's length of the patient until relieved by the RN.
- Avoid adjusting or removing restraints.
- Avoid assisting with activities that require the patient to get out of bed without an ordered activity level of bed rest.
- Avoid assisting with ambulation and feeding unless directed by the nurse.
- Avoid making or receiving personal phone calls while on duty or using a personal cell phone.
- Avoid leaving the patient until physically relieved by another staff member.
Skills
- Clear communication
- Listing and observation skills
- Ability to respond swiftly
- Physical ability to sit, stand, bend, brace and lift
- Calm and confident manner
- Ability to remain calm during moments of escalation or high stress
- Maintain composure with distressed or combative patients
- Critical thinking skills
- Decisive judgment
- Minimal supervision
- Stress management
Lifepoint Health
Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers, and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.