PATIENT SITTER | Evening Shift

Salina Regional Health Center

PATIENT SITTER

POSITION SUMMARY
The Patient Sitter provides support to the nursing staff by observing the patient to prevent patient injury to include: acts to prevent a confused patient from falling, leaving the unit or pulling out intravenous lines or other tubes, etc. or prevent the suicidal patient from intentionally committing self-harm. Works under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse assigned to the patient.

POPULATION SERVED: Infant, Child, Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric
OSHA CATEGORY I

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

QUALITY
Receives information on the status of the assigned patient including any diet and/or fluid restrictions.
Stays on the side of the bed where the patient is most likely to exit and does not leave the patient at any time unless directed by the patient's nurse.
Remains alert and observant while intervening to protect patient, and minimizes the risk of injury by reorienting the patient, talking to the patient or calling for assistance as appropriate.
Communicates the patient's needs to the nurse assistant, specialty tech, or registered nurse responsible for the care in a timely manner; assists/accompanies patient to chair, bathroom, or ambulation if patient has orders to ambulate without assist; assists patient with food set up and utensils as needed.
Keep tubes, lines, etc., out of the patient's reach; keeps patient safe and as comfortable as possible; uses infection control precautions; prevents falls; places patient's legs back on the bed; assists with water or tray setup as directed by nursing staff.
Attends and constructively contributes to staff meetings and in-services.

ACCESS
When patient is transferred to another unit, goes with the patient during the transfer and stays with the patient for the remainder of the shift, or until the patient no longer needs assistance as directed by the RN.
When no longer needed with a transferred patient, contacts the patient services supervisor for another assignment.

STEWARDSHIP
Introduces the oncoming patient care attendant to the assigned patient and/or family.
Ensures equipment/supplies availability for care while practicing cost effective management.

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

PATIENT CENTERED
Keeps the welfare of the patient at the center of all decisions and actions by maintaining a customer-centered focus at all times.
Advocates for patients and their families by practicing behaviors that create a culture of patient focused activity.

QUALITY
Expects excellence of self and others.
Questions the status quo; uses creativity and innovation to engage in performance and process improvement.
Identifies and mitigates risk.

INTEGRITY
Is honest and ethical in all matters.
Demonstrates teamwork/cooperation within and across departments, understanding others perspectives and resolving conflict constructively.

TRUST
Safeguards the privacy, security, and confidentiality of protected health information at all times.
Treats all people with dignity; supports diversity; and understands related issues.
Is flexible and adaptable to change; demonstrates a positive and supportive attitude; and willingly accepts change.

SUSTAINABILITY
Holds self and others accountable in the use of SRHC supplies, and completion of tasks in a timely, efficient, and productive manner.
Volunteers for or accepts new or additional duties/responsibilities for the greater good of the department, organization, and/or patient.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM EDUCATION
None

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE
None

REQUIRED REGISTRATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATION
None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers up to 20 pounds
Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking
Occasional reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching
Manual dexterity and mobility
Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

WORKING CONDITIONS
Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne and/or infectious diseases
Exposed to odorous chemicals and specimens
Exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment
Exposed to unpleasant elements (accident, injury, illness, etc.)
Subject to varying and unpredictable situations
Subject to emergency or crisis situations
Subject to many interruptions; pressure due to multiple calls, inquires, and/or deadlines
Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays)

EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In signing the job description, I attest that I will adhere to Salina Regional Health Center’s policies, procedures, and regulatory standards, including but not limited to complying fully with the Corporate Compliance Program and Code of Ethical Conduct; and participating actively in the Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement Plan, including identifying and mitigating risk to patients.

I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and accept the qualifications, responsibilities, and performance expectations outlined in the job description.  I recognize that these duties form the basis for my performance evaluations, and that management reserves the right to assign additional tasks or change existing essential job functions as operational needs dictate.  I confirm that I am able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.