Patient Sitter

**Position Objective**:
Maintains safety and security of patients. Provides assistance to nursing staff in the monitoring of patients on emergency petition, with behavioral issues or at risk for falls.

Contributes to the provision of high-quality, cost effective health care through collaboration with other health team members.

**Essential Job Duties**:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Maintains patient safety and security and must remain alert and attentive at all times; observes patient behavior and reports as necessary to the appropriate staff.

2. Monitors patient behavior closely. Remains in close proximity and/or maintains line-of-site (required for all suicidal and petitioned patients) as appropriate when assigned to patient sitter duties.

3. Performs duties according to established standards for age groups, preschool through adulthood, by demonstrating knowledge of principles of growth and development over the lifespan.

4. Sets limits on patient behavior under the direction of a registered nurse and/or mental health clinician and intervenes to decrease inappropriate behavior by consistently enforcing all rules at all times; controls patient telephone usage at the direction of the registered nurse/MHC.

5. Performs other duties as assigned, i.e. unit supply stocking, environmental care, room preparation and safety.

6. Under direction of the registered nurse, follows the patients plan of care and communicates with the registered nurse concerning inappropriate or non-compliant behavior.

7. Accurately and consistently documents required safety checks using the appropriate form(s).

8. Ensures appropriate visitation as directed by the registered nurse and that belongings, food, and other items brought to patients by family/visitors is allowable and safe.

9. Maintains confidentiality with all patient information and during interactions with patients, families, visitors and staff.

10. Supports basic patient activities as appropriate and directed by registered nurse and assists with transports as requested.

**Educational/Experience Requirements**:

- High School Diploma or equivalent

Required License/Certifications:

- CPI training completed within the first six months of hire.

**Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands**:Medium**

There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

**Physical Demands - Medium**

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary.