1. Attendant Responsibilities:

a. The primary responsibility of the attendant is to observe the patient and keep the patient safe.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist the patient with their ADLs and ambulation as indicated
• Assist with meal set-up and/or feeding; Check meal trays on arrival and removal to prevent anything left in patient room
• Up in chair for meals, if able
• Knowing the patient’s activity level – ambulate if able using modalities
• Use of bed/chair alarms if fall risk
• Assist with bathing, oral and skin care
• Establish toileting routine, at least every 2 hours and as needed
• Turn and reposition frequently/change linen as needed
• Keep the environment safe and uncluttered. Keep tubes untangled and out of patient reach.

b. Keep noise to a minimum to reduce stimuli. Support day/night wake cycles with shades open during the day and short naps to promote nighttime sleep.

c. Speak slowly and softly; obtain and use the patient’s sensory aids. Do not argue with the patient.

d. Provide diversional activities such as puzzles, playing cards, books, reading or drawing.

e. Do not take a patient’s comments or behavior personally.

f. Accompany the patient for any tests or procedures.

g. The attendant must notify the RN of any perceived change in the patient condition so that the RN can take appropriate action which may include notifying the physician. These include, but are not limited to:

• Level of confusion or change in mental status
• Change in noted behaviors
• Statements made by the patient
• Skin integrity and other physical observations
• Vital signs and cares given
• Any abnormal findings or changes
• Escalating behaviors or agitation

h. The attendant must be able to, and will intervene immediately if the patient is is causing self-harm.

i. When the patient is awake and active, the attendant will direct their full attention to the patient with continuous observation and interaction with the patient as appropriate.

j. When the patient is resting and/or asleep, the attendant is able to partake in other activities as long as they can observe the patient and intervene immediately if needed. Work-related education and training takes priority.

2. Prior to the start of the first assigned attendant/sitter shift, the RN will complete the Patient Attendant Hand-off Communication Tool.

a. This tool will be reviewed by each assigned attendant/sitter upon arrival for their shift so they receive important information regarding the patient status so that they can be alert to identified high risk patient behaviors and prepared on how to best respond.

b. The RN will update the Patient Attendant Hand-off Communication Tool each time the patient status changes so that it adequately reflects the current status of the patient. The RN will have the updated Patient Attendant Hand-off Communication Tool reviewed by the attendant/sitter promptly.

3. The RN will collaborate with attendant to determine a preferred time for break and will communicate any adjustments agreed upon.

Patient Care experience preferred.

Preference for open availability.

Patient Attendant (sitter) positions available in multiple hospital departments, depending on the current need.

These are per diem employees hired into the sitter position. 4-12 hour shifts when a sitter is needed. Pay is $25/hour.