Patient Sitter - PRN

*PRN, Nights

Who We Are:

People are our passion and purpose. Come work where you are appreciated for who you are not just what you can do. National Park Medical Center, a 163-bed full-service hospital, is a forward thinking, innovative hospital where trust, teamwork and technology come together to make a positive difference in the health of our community and region.

Where We Are:

Live where others only get to vacation...Hot Springs, located in the gently rolling Ouachita Mountains, offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural life, and historical interest. With numerous outdoor activities, art galleries, local shops, and diverse cuisine, Hot Springs has something for everyone.

Why Choose Us:

Health (Medical, Dental, Vision) and 401K Benefits for full-time employees

Competitive Paid Time Off / Extended Illness Bank package for full-time employees

Short-term and Long-term disability 100% paid for by the company

Employee Assistance Program - mental, physical, and financial wellness assistance

Loan repayment, tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities for qualified candidates

Professional development opportunities, apprenticeship programs, and certification assistance

And much more...

A Patient Sitter provides direct patient observation and input in planning care through communication with the RN and other patient care team members. Is effectively involved with maintaining the standard of care for assigned patients through communication with the care team. Maintains competency and possesses the skills to provide a safe environment to those medical patients requiring close supervision because of behavioral health issues. Completes duties as assigned and performs duties under the direct supervision of the RN.

Reports to: Director of Emergency Department
FLSA: Non-exempt
Minimum Education: None
Certifications:  Basic Life Support (BLS), within 30 days of hire.

Required:

-    Clear communication, listing and observation skills.
-    Ability to respond swiftly - physically able to sit, stand, bend, brace and lift at a moment's notice.
-    Calm confident manner and able to remain calm during moment of escalation or high stress.
-    Maintain composure with distressed or combative patient(s).
-    Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.

Essential Functions
-    Sitters observe the patient and maintain a safe environment; they must always have continuous and unobstructed view of the patient.
-    The sitter may not adjust or remove restraints. If the patient complains of discomfort, the sitter is to notify the nurse immediately.
-    The sitter will accompany the patient for any test or procedures off the unit. The sitter will accompany surgical patients to the Holding Area. The sitter will remain within arm's length of the patient until relieved by the RN.
-    Sitters will attempt to prevent the patient from pulling out lines/tubes.
-    Sitters will attempt to prevent the patient from getting out of bed if there is an activity level of bed rest ordered.
-    Sitter may assist patient to the bathroom if activity level permits and RN approves. Bathroom door will remain open and sitter will have direct view of patient at all times.
-    At the discretion of the nurse, the sitter may assist with ambulation and feeding.
-    The sitter should assist the patient with obtaining fluids, consuming meals, wiping their face, etc.
-    Sitters may read to the patient, play a board game or cards, turn on the television and engage on general conversation.
-    Patient requests for assistance are referred to the nursing staff via call bell system.
-    Always protect the patient's dignity and privacy by keeping the patient covered, the patient room door closed, etc.
-    The sitter may not make or receive personal phone calls while on duty or use a personal cell phone. In the case of an emergency, the sitter must notify the nurse that he/she needs to be relieved to make a phone call. The sitter may not leave until he/she has been relieved.
-    The sitter may have reading material while on duty, but may only read when the patient is asleep.
-    The sitter will be relieved for breaks and meals but may not leave the patient until physically relieved by another staff member.

EEOC Statement:

National Park Medical Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.