Patient Sitter

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH); Prestonsburg (KY); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is seeking a patient sitter to provide constant observation for patients requiring close monitoring on a care unit. You will assist with activities of daily living, communicate with the care team, and help maintain a safe, clean patient environment.

The role emphasizes effective communication, accurate documentation, and strong customer service in a fast-paced hospital setting.

Qualifications

• CPR certification preferred.
• Formal healthcare training such as CNA/EMT is preferred.
• Equivalent healthcare experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct care to patients under directions of licensed personnel.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living as directed by nursing staff.
• Communicates effectively and documents information accurately.
• Monitors safety of behavior management patients.
• Assists Nurse/Nurse Aide with bedside procedures.
• Assists with hallway wayfinding as needed.
• Responds to call lights and meets patient needs such as bringing ice.
• Provides customer service by rounds, blankets, ice, water, dim lights, etc.
• Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly patient environment.
• Maintains communication with the assigned Nurse.
• Attends safety trainings and understands responsibilities for safety hazards.
• Follows hospital exposure controls plans for bloodborne and airborne pathogens.
• Respects dignity of patients, families, visitors, and staff.
• Supports teamwork to help the department meet its goals.

Skills

Effective communication

Documentation

Customer service

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Basic medical terminology

Basic computer knowledge

Education

CPR certification (preferred)

Formal healthcare training (Nursing Assistant, CNA, EMT, or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

To provide the services of a sitter for any patient on a patient care unit who has been assessed to require constant observation in order to maximize his or her safety. Performs a variety of routine duties to assist in the delivery of patient care.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates the skills and judgement necessary to provide direct care to patients under the directions of licensed personnel.
• Assists the patient with activities of daily living as directed by the nursing staff.
• Communicates effectively and documents information accurately.
• Monitors the safety of the behavior management patient.
• Assists the Nurse or Nurse Aide with procedures at bedside.
• Assists with wayfinding in the hallway, as needed.
• Answers call lights as well as meets the needs of the patient when able, such as take ice to the room.
• Provides excellent customer service to patients and their families by rounding, offering blankets, ice, water, lights dimmed, doors closed, even temperature maintenance.
• Assists with maintaining a safe, clean, and orderly patient environment.
• Maintains ongoing communication with the Nurse assigned to patient.
• Attends all required safety training programs and can describe his or her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, and specific job-related hazards.
• Follows the hospital exposure controls plans/blood borne and airborne pathogens.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
• Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a departmental team to facilitate the department's ability to meet its goals and objectives.

Qualifications

Education

• CPR certification preferred.
• Formal healthcare training preferred, including Nursing Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or equivalent training.

Experience

• Previous hospital experience preferred.
• Previous nursing home experience preferred.
• Equivalent healthcare experience may be considered.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Ability to document information accurately and completely.
• Ability to deal efficiently and effectively with a wide variety of individuals.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology preferred.
• Basic computer knowledge preferred.
• Ability to move and/or lift patients and equipment safely.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.