Patient Sitter (MHO)

Beacon Health System; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Health System is seeking a Short Term Relief Sitter to provide 1:1 observation for patients requiring close monitoring under nurse supervision. The role emphasizes constant visibility, safety, and communication with the clinical team.

As you gain competency, responsibilities may expand to patient ambulation, vital signs, bathing, nourishment and documentation within a hospital unit. Prior healthcare exposure is preferred, with a high school diploma or ongoing nursing studies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent completed.
• Current enrollment in an accredited nursing or healthcare program preferred.
• Ability to read, understand and follow instructions.

Responsibilities

• Maintain direct patient visualization at all times, including in the bathroom.
• Position self between patient and door to ensure visibility; never leave patient unattended.
• Communicate any abnormal behavior or safety concerns to RN or physician.
• Assist with ambulation, vital signs, bathing, oral care, turning/repositioning, feeding, toileting and intake/output as trained.

Skills

Reading & writing basic terms

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Enrollment in a nursing or healthcare program

Job description

• Reports to the Manager/Director, Patient Care Services. STAR's are in-patient sitters who closely observe and monitor patients who require 1:1 observation under the supervision of trained nurse. Specific tasks to be performed are determined based upon patient care unit assignment.
  

• Reports to the Manager/Director, Patient Care Services. STAR's are in-patient sitters who closely observe and monitor patients who require 1:1 observation under the supervision of trained nurse. Specific tasks to be performed are determined based upon patient care unit assignment.
  

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.
  

Performs the duties of the Short Term Relief Sitter by:

• Staff members observing the patient are responsible for maintaining a safe environment with direct patient visualization at all times, including in the bathroom.
  
• Safety measures to be taken by staff when observing as 1:1 include positioning self between patient and door where the patient can be visualized at all times, never turning back to patient, never leaving the patient unattended, accompanying the patient to the bathroom.
  
• Staff member will communicate to the RN or physician any abnormal behavior or safety concerns.
  
• After educated/trained/demonstrating competency, associate may perform patient ambulation, vital signs, bathing, oral care, turning/repositioning, feeding, toileting, and obtaining/documentation of accurate intake/output.
  

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Assisting with other department activities.
  
• Completing other job-related duties and projects as assigned.
  

Organizational Responsibilities

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
  
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
  
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
  
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
  
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
  
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
  
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
  
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
  
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.
  

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are acquired through the successful completion of a high school diploma or equivalent. Current enrollment in an accredited nursing program or any healthcare program and previous patient care experience preferred.
  

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrates ability to understand, read, legibly print or write, correctly spell medical and non-medical terms and understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
  
• Demonstrates communication and interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with patients, visitors and co-workers and to maintain positive working relationships.
  
• Requires the ability to perform basic patient care activities like assisting with patient repositioning, recording patient's food and liquid intake, reporting patient status changes to clinical team, etc.
  
• Requires proficiency in basic computer skills to complete the work assigned accurately and in a reasonable amount of time.
  
• Requires the ability to work independently, take initiative and be self-motivated.
  

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care environment requiring physical exertion, frequent change in job demands, certain undesirable patient care activities and exposure to bio-hazards.
  
• Operates patient related equipment.
  

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs, lift at least 50 pounds, to position/lift patients of various sizes and weights, manual dexterity and visual acuity necessary to care for patients, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.