Sitter

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center; Leonardtown (MD); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center is seeking a Patient Observation Aide to monitor patients one-on-one and identify behaviors that could be hazardous to self or others. Observations are reported to the nursing team and documented in the electronic health record.

Qualifications include a High School Diploma or GED, CPR certification within 90 days, and 3 months of related experience preferred. This role requires vigilance, clear patient communication, and strict adherence to safety

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 3 months of related experience preferred.
• CPR certification required within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Observe patients one-on-one to identify potentially hazardous behaviors.
• Report observations to appropriate personnel in a timely manner.
• Document patient activity in the electronic health record.
• Communicate with patients to encourage verbalization.
• Escalate safety concerns to RN and Nurse Techs.

Skills

Observation

Safety awareness

Communication with patients

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

About the Job

General Summary of Position: Provides one-on-one observation of selected patients for the purpose of identifying behaviors which are potentially hazardous to self or others.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies procedures quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
• Uses safety measures for patient and self in accordance with protocol.
• Performs direct observation of patients for the purpose of identification of behaviors that are potentially hazardous to self or others and reports such observations to appropriate personnel in appropriate time frame.
• Communicates with patients and encourages casual patient verbalization.
• Participates in minor diversion activities such as reading to the patient. Assists unit staff in preventing patients from climbing out of bed by providing appropriate diversion activities.
• Remains attentive to the patient at all times unless relieved of duty by the patient care staff.
• Documents patient activity in electronic health record as appropriate.
• Notifies unit staff if verbal reminders and diversion are unsuccessful in distracting patient.
• Escalates patient and safety concerns to RN and Nurse Techs.

Minimal Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required

Experience

• 3 months of related experience preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 Days required
• Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.

This position has a hiring range of

USD $18.40 - USD $29.74 /Hr.