Patient Safety Sitter

Chesapeake Regional; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 19,286 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

Chesapeake Regional seeks a Patient Safety Sitter to provide continuous observation for high‑risk patients and support a patient‑centered care environment. You will maintain safety, assist with daily living activities as needed, and collaborate closely with the patient care team.

Responsibilities include preventing falls and self‑harm, communicating with families and staff, documenting per policy, and participating in hospital orientations.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: High School diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred: Nursing Assistant certification.
• Preferred experience: 1 year as nursing assistant or similar role.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate empathy and advocate for patient and family-centered care.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and staff while respecting privacy and dignity.
• Engage in effective patient hand-off reporting.
• Establish a safe environment with fall-prevention and infection-control knowledge.
• Maintain direct observation with patient at all times.
• Accompany patient during transportation, testing, and procedures.
• Intervene to prevent self-harm or harm to others and escalate as needed.
• Monitor patient status and report changes promptly.
• Escalate concerns to charge nurse or nurse manager.
• Complete documentation per policy and guidance.
• Attend required orientations and meetings.
• Support flexible scheduling to ensure patient care.

Skills

Empathy

Effective communication

Patient safety awareness

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Nursing Assistant certification (preferred)

BLS certification (must obtain within 90 days)

Job description

Summary

The Patient Safety Sitter participates in high-quality, patient-centered care by providing continuous observation and monitoring for high-risk patients. In collaboration with the patient care team, the Patient Safety Sitter ensures the patient environment is free of obstacles and minimizes risk of falls and accidental or intentional self-harm. The Sitter may also assist with activities of daily living.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate caring and empathy in all interactions and advocate for a patient and family-centered approach in all decisions and actions
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and staff while respecting patient privacy, safety, and dignity
• Engage in effective patient hand‑off/reporting
• Establish a safe, risk-free patient environment by utilizing knowledge of fall prevention protocols, infection control measures, and self‑harm prevention
• Maintain a direct line of sight with patient at all times, including while family and/or visitors are in the room
• Accompany patient and ensure patient safety during transportation, testing, and procedures occurring away from the patient’s normal environment
• Intervene as needed to prevent patient from harming self or others and seek immediate assistance for escalating incidents
• Monitor the patient’s physical and emotional condition and report any changes in status promptly while remaining in direct line of sight
• Escalate concerns and opportunities to the charge nurse, clinical coordinator, and/or nurse manager
• Complete documentation in accordance with organizational guidance and policy
• Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and educational events
• Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care

Education and Experience

• Minimum Required Education: High School diploma or equivalent
• Preferred Education: Nursing Assistant or equivalent
• Preferred Experience: 1‑year previous experience as a nursing assistant or similar role
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: BLS; must be current and obtained within 90 days of hire