SITTER SERVICE AIDE

Aultman Health Foundation; Canton (OH); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Aultman Health Foundation is seeking a Patient Companion to provide continuous observation and supportive care for patients at risk for self-harm, aggression, or elopement. Under the direction of the registered nurse, you will help maintain a safe environment, assist with basic needs, and promote dignity and respect in line with hospital policies.

Responsibilities include 1:1 observation, environmental safety measures, completing required safety rounds, and using de-escalation techniques to calm

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• BLS/AHA provider training recommended but not required.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Ability to stay calm and use de-escalation techniques in high-pressure situations.
• Crisis Prevention / De-escalation training within onboarding timeframe and annually thereafter.
• Adheres to attendance policy and punctuality.

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous 1:1 observation for patients on safety precautions.
• Maintain line-of-sight observation during transport, procedures, and activities.
• Perform safety rounds/observations at required frequency and document them.
• Implement environmental safety measures and report hazards.
• Assist RN with admission safety, inventory of belongings, and securing restricted items.
• Use therapeutic communication to support anxious or distressed patients.
• Initiate de-escalation and notify RN of escalation or changes in status.
• Activate unit emergency response if imminent safety threats.
• Assist with activities of daily living while maintaining observation.
• Support fall prevention and timely response to call lights.
• Assist with ambulation and transfers as directed.

Skills

De-escalation techniques

Communication skills

Teamwork

Basic computer skills

Punctuality / attendance

Education

High school diploma, GED or equivalent

Job description

Casual - As Needed - No Benefits , Varied Shifts , FLEXIBLE

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Patient Companion provides continuous, direct observation and supportive care to patients who are at risk for self-harm, harm to others, elopement, or other safety events. Under the direction of the registered nurse, the Patient Companion maintains a safe environment, uses therapeutic communication, and assists the care team in implementing individualized safety precautions in accordance with established policies, procedures, and training.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent.
• AHA healthcare provider training is recommended but not required (BLS).
• Basic computer skills are required.
• Ability to maintain composure and use de-escalation techniques in high-pressure situations.
• Successful completion of facility-approved Crisis Prevention / De-escalation training (e.g., CPI/PMAB) within established onboarding timeframe and annually thereafter.
• Adheres to the hospital attendance policy and will make every effort to consistently be punctual when reporting to work and during daily activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS

• Under the direction of a registered nurse, the Patient Companion supports the interdisciplinary team by providing continuous observation, maintaining environmental safety, and assisting with basic needs while promoting dignity and respect. The Patient Companion does not provide independent clinical assessment, counseling, or restraint application; all interventions are performed per policy and under RN direction:
• Provide continuous 1:1 (or designated level) observation for patients on suicide/self-harm precautions, violence/aggression precautions, elopement precautions, or other ordered safety precautions.
• Maintain line-of-sight observation as required; remain with the patient during transport, procedures, toileting, and other activities per ordered precautions and unit policy.
• Perform and document safety rounds/behavioral observations at the required frequency (e.g., every 15 minutes) in the patient’s medical record or approved paper/electronic tool.
• Implement environmental safety measures: remove or secure items that present ligature, sharps, ingestion, or weapon risks; report hazards immediately to the RN.
• Assist the RN with admission safety processes per policy, including inventory of patient belongings and ensuring restricted items are secured/managed appropriately.
• Use therapeutic communication to support patients experiencing anxiety, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, or distress; redirect behavior and set respectful limits.
• Initiate de-escalation strategies within training scope; promptly notify the RN of escalating behavior, threats, attempts to leave, self-harm gestures, or changes in status.
• Activate unit emergency response (call light/rapid response/security) as indicated by policy for imminent safety threats.
• Assist with activities of daily living and basic comfort measures within the scope of Patient Companion’s primary position (e.g., meal set-up, hydration, toileting, hygiene) while maintaining required observation.
• Support fall prevention and general safety initiatives including hourly rounding and timely response to call lights, as assigned.
• Assist with safe ambulation/transfers as directed and within training; request additional staff/equipment when needed.
• Participate in milieu safety by maintaining a calm, respectful presence; limit stimuli when appropriate and follow unit visitor guidelines for safety.
• Communicate clearly and promptly with the RN and team regarding patient behavior, triggers, effective calming strategies, and safety concerns.
• Commit to providing exceptional customer service to patients and visitors; convey an attitude of understanding, trust, and compassion for individuals.
• Commit to treating coworkers with respect and dignity and will follow non-negotiable standards to promote a consistent positive experience for patients, colleagues, and visitors.
• Complete house-wide mandatory education and maintain required certifications as applicable.

SKILLS

• Adheres to the hospital attendance policy and is punctual when reporting to work and during daily activities.
• Basic computer skills.
• Good communication, documentation, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to use de-escalation techniques and maintain professional boundaries.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, identity, family status, gender, disability, or veteran status.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Working hours vary according to departmental needs.
• Works under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
• Lunch periods will be assigned by the charge registered nurse.
• Requires full range of body motion which may include assisting with ambulation and transfers, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• Requires standing and walking for extended periods of time.
• Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
• May require exposure to communicable disease, body fluids, toxic substances, and other potentially hazardous conditions common to a clinical environment, such as risk of falls, strains, or aggressive behavior.
• Patient Companions will be working all shifts, weekends and holidays as needed.