Per Diem Patient Sitter

At Bristol Health, we begin each day caring today for your tomorrow.  We have been an integral part of our community for the past 100 years. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care and service to our patients, residents and families.  We are committed to provide compassionate, quality care at all times and to uphold our values of Communication, Accountability, Respect and Empathy (C.A.R.E.).   We are Magnet ® and received the 2020 Press Ganey Leading Innovator award for our rapid adoption and implementation of healthcare solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Use your expertise, compassion, and kindness to transform the patient experience.  Make a difference.  Make Bristol Health your choice.

Job Summary

Provides constant observation of patient(s).  Works under the direction of the RN assigned to the patient(s) requiring constant observation.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Demonstrates appropriate observation intervention
• Remains in visual contact with patient(s) at all times.
• Accompanies patient(s) at all times/areas including:
  • hallways
  • bathroom facilities
  • during treatments
  • during visiting hours    
  • Waits until relieved by another qualified person; does not leave patient(s) alone or with visitor without approval of responsible registered nurse           .
• Must discuss and adhere to plan of care with Registered Nurse each shift.
• Reorients patient(s) and adheres to environment and redirects inappropriate activity.
• Maintains safe environment.  Creates/maintains environment which is quiet and calm.
• Requests assistance from health care team members as needed.
• In an emergency, uses call system to call for assistance.

Follows hospital procedures to maintain safe environment

• Ensures beds are locked in low position.
• Ensures side rails are in position, according to RN direction.
• Ensures that call light is within reach of patient(s) at all times.
• Is knowledgeable and adheres to patient restraint policy.
• Helps to ensure that patient(s)’ rooms remain free of clutter and pathways are clear and safe.
• Respects patient(s)’ right to privacy and confidentiality.
• Maintains environment free from harm.

Collects, records, and reports pertinent patient data

• Completes restraint/constant observation flow sheet accurately.
• Reports any changes observed in patient(s)’ condition, behavior, and/or verbalization immediately to Registered Nurse.
• Reports any self-harm causing activity or violations of hospital policy by patient(s) or visitors.

Qualifications

Educational / Minimum Requirements:

High school graduate or equivalent

State/Federal Mandated Licensure or Certification Requirements:

None

Bristol Hospital Mandated Educational Requirements:

General orientation at time of hire. Fire/Safety/Infection Control annually. Other programs as mandated by Hospital.

Special Requirements:

None

Physical Requirements:

Able to perform tasks involving physical activity.  Must be able to endure prolonged periods of extended walking.  Extended periods of sitting.  Occasional crouching, kneeling and balancing.  Vision, hearing, smell and tactile sensation corrected or accommodated to normal.

Work Environment:

Regular exposure to patient elements, stress, rapid pace with multi-tasking skills.

Cognitive Requirements:

Must have the ability to understand and carry out directives and instruction.  Ability to read, write and communicate verbally.  Must possess the ability to read, write and speak English.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.