Patient Sitter

Tenet Healthcare Corporation; Goodyear (AZ); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenet Healthcare Corporation is seeking a dedicated constant observer to ensure continuous direct observation of identified patients. The role emphasizes patient safety, privacy, and effective communication with nurses and staff to prevent harm and ensure timely assistance.

Responsibilities include remaining with the patient, documenting observations, and adhering to hospital policies. A high school diploma and BLS certification are required, with 1 year of related experience preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Current American Heart Association BLS certification.
• Minimum of 1 year of related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain constant direct observation of identified patient(s).
• Keep patient within view at all times and never leave unattended.
• Use call light/intercom to summon staff for assistance or needed equipment/supplies.
• Accompany patient during transport off the unit and obtain RN approval to accompany.
• Document observations on flow sheet as instructed.
• Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality at all times.

Skills

Reading English

Prioritization

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Job Summary

Working under the supervision of the registered nurse, the constant observer maintains constant direct observation and visualization of identified patient(s).

Patient Observation

• a. Keeps patient within view at all times.
• b. Never leaves patient unattended.
• c. Uses the call light/intercom system to summon staff for assistance or needed equipment/supplies.
• d. Accompanies and stays with patient when transported off the unit for any diagnostic tests or procedures. Asks nurse before accompanying patient
• e. Remains in patient room at all times and does not leave without RN approval and/or relief. Documents observations on flow sheet as instructed and indicated.

Patient Safety

• a. Keeps patient room door open/partially open at all times.
• b. Keeps bathroom door open at all times.
• c. Removes sharp/dangerous items out of room.
• d. Assists nurse to screen all items brought in by visitors.
• e. Knows patient's ordered activity level
• f. Avoids wearing items around neck (ID badge, stethoscopes, necklace, etc.)

Patient Privacy

• a. Maintains confidentiality of all patient information.
• b. Refrains from discussing patient information with anyone other than nurse or physician.
• c. Respects the patient's right to dignity while providing care, with concern for safety as a priority.

Communication

• a. Listens and acknowledges patient's complaints and feelings.
• b. Conveys attitudes of compassion, empathy, and understanding.
• c. Does not discuss any information related to patient's medical condition or plan of care.
• d. Seeks guidance and direction when unsure.
• e. Informs nurse immediately if patient expresses desire to harm self/others or wants to leave the hospital.
• f. Provides report to relief patient sitter and to nurse prior to leaving at shift end.

Conduct

• a. Provides only constant observation.
• b. Does not make personal phone calls, eat food in the room, or sleep.
• c. Allows patient control of television (channel, volume).
• d. Does not use any items or personal electronics (iPod, iPad, game boy, etc.) or anything that can distract attention from patient.
• e. Does not leave patient(s) until relief patient sitter has arrived and is in the patient room.
• f. Does not use the patient's bathroom for personal use.

Other related job tasks or responsibilities as assigned

Special Skills

• Ability to read in English to follow oral and/or written instructions.
• Ability to prioritize work.
• Must have good customer service skills.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Certifications: Current American Heart Association BLS certification
• Experience: One (1) year

Preferred Requirements

• Experience: Prior constant observer and/or CNA experience preferred

For constant observers utilized exclusively with non- behavioral health patients, all related competencies must be administered and completed prior to assignment of a patient. There will be one level of competency for all constant observers in this category.

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