Patient Sitter (MHO)

Beacon Health System; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 27,552,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Health System is seeking a Short Term Relief Sitter to provide 1:1 observation for in-patient patients under nursing supervision. The role emphasizes safety, direct patient visualization, and adherence to department protocols within a hospital setting.

Responsibilities include communicating safety concerns to the clinical team and, after training, assisting with ambulation, vital signs, bathing, feeding and daily documentation to support patient care outcomes.

Qualifications

• Knowledge to read, spell and understand medical terminology and follow instructions.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities with patients, visitors and coworkers.
• Ability to perform basic patient care activities and document observations.
• Proficiency with standard computer software used in patient care environments.
• Capacity to work independently, take initiative and stay self-motivated.

Responsibilities

• 1:1 sitters observe patients with direct supervision by nursing staff.
• Maintain a safe environment and always visualize the patient, including in the bathroom.
• Escalate abnormal behavior or safety concerns to RN or physician.
• As competency is demonstrated, perform tasks such as ambulation, vital signs, bathing, feeding, toileting and intake/output documentation.

Skills

Reading medical terms

Interpersonal skills

Basic patient care

Computer literacy

Independent worker

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Enrollment in Nursing/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.

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.