Patient Sitter

Lifepoint Health®; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 19,286 - 24,796; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) matching

Comprehensive health plans

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Community Medical Center in Missoula, MT, part of Lifepoint Health, is seeking a Patient Sitter for night shifts. The role focuses on direct patient observation, safety, and companionship under RN supervision.

Ideal candidates hold a Montana CNA certification and BLS, with strong communication and calmness under pressure. The position requires weekends/major holidays and offers benefits and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Clear communication, listening, and observation skills.
• Physical ability to sit, stand, bend, brace and lift.
• Calm, confident manner under escalation or high-stress situations.
• Critical thinking and decisive judgment with minimal supervision.
• Experience with patients needing close supervision for behavioral health preferred.
• Every third weekend and major winter/summer holidays shifts required.
• Montana CNA certification listed on the Montana Board of Nursing Nurse Aide Registry.
• Current Montana American Heart Association BLS certificate or obtained within 90 days of hire.
• Assist patients with ADLs and maintaining dignity and privacy.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient observation and input in planning care with RN and team.
• Maintain standard of care and safe environment for behavioral health patients.
• Accompany patients to tests, procedures, and holding area for surgery.
• Remain within arm's length of the patient and notify nurse if needed.
• Assist with ambulation, feeding, fluids, and activities as approved.
• Read to patients, engage in conversation, and provide companionship.
• Refer patient requests to nursing staff via call bell system.
• Keep patient rooms and common areas clean, stocked, and orderly.

Skills

Communication

Observation

Physical stamina

Calm under pressure

Decision making

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Montana CNA certification

BLS certification (Montana or equivalent)

Job description

Patient Sitter

Job Type: Full Time

Schedule: Night Shift

This position is located at Community Medical Center, a 151‑bed hospital in Missoula, MT, part of Lifepoint Health.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient observation and input in planning care through communication with the RN and other patient care team members. Assist in maintaining the standard of care for assigned patients, maintaining a safe environment for medical patients requiring close supervision because of behavioral health issues, and performing duties under direct supervision of the RN.

• Observe the patient and maintain continuous, unobstructed view.
• Do not adjust or remove restraints; notify the nurse immediately if the patient complains of discomfort.
• Accompany the patient for tests or procedures off the unit and to the Holding Area for surgical patients.
• Remain within arm's length of the patient until relieved by the RN.
• Avoid pulling out lines/tubes and prevent the patient from getting out of bed when bed rest is ordered.
• Assist the patient to the bathroom if the activity level permits and RN approves; keep the bathroom door open and maintain direct view.
• Assist with ambulation, feeding, and obtaining fluids or meals as approved.
• Read to the patient, play board games or cards, turn on television, and engage in general conversation.
• Refer patient requests for assistance to nursing staff via the call bell system.
• Maintain protection of the patient’s dignity and privacy; keep the patient covered, room door closed, and no personal cell phone usage.
• Only leave the patient when relieved by another staff member; read material only when the patient is asleep.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Clear communication, listening, and observation skills.
• Physical ability to sit, stand, bend, brace and lift, with no limit to a moment's notice.
• Calm, confident manner able to remain composed during escalation or high‑stress situations.
• Critical thinking skills, decisive judgment, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Experience with patients requiring close supervision for behavioral health issues preferred.
• Every third weekend and major winter and summer holiday shifts are required.
• Current Montana CNA certification listed on the Montana Board of Nursing Nurse Aide Registry.
• Current Montana American Heart Association BLS certificate or obtained within 90 days after hire date.
• Ability to assist patients with personal care and activities of daily living including bathing, grooming, eating, and ambulation.
• Reports abnormal findings or changes in condition to nursing staff.
• Assists with keeping patient rooms and common areas stocked, clean, and orderly.

Certifications

Basic Life Support (BLS) required at hire.

Benefits

• Shift differential.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with flexible‑spending and health‑savings accounts.
• Competitive paid time off and extended illness bank package.
• Income‑protection programs such as life, accident, critical‑injury insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability, and identity theft coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement, loan assistance, and 401(k) matching.
• Employee assistance program focused on mental, physical, and financial wellness.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

EEOC Statement

"Community Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Community Medical Center is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment."