Job Description

Job Summary

The Patient Sitter is responsible for providing continuous observation and maintaining a safe environment for assigned patients under the direction of a registered nurse (RN). Plays a critical part in ensuring patient safety by adhering to infection control protocols, maintaining patient privacy and dignity, and promptly reporting any changes in patient behavior or condition. Communicates effectively with the RN and other healthcare team members to support high-quality patient care.

Essential Functions

• Observes and monitors assigned patients to ensure safety, following hospital policies and procedures.

• Maintains continuous visual observation of the patient and remains with them at all times unless relieved by appropriate personnel.

• Complies with patient confidentiality standards and adheres to hospital policies regarding privacy and security.

• Follows infection control precautions, including proper hand hygiene and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), in compliance with facility guidelines.

• Ensures patient environment remains clean and safe, handling bio-hazardous waste and chemicals according to facility policies.

• Protects patient privacy, dignity, and respect during all interactions and care activities.

• Assists with non-clinical tasks such as repositioning, reorienting, and engaging patients in appropriate activities to reduce anxiety and restlessness.

• Reports safety hazards, unusual behaviors, or changes in patient condition to the RN or appropriate personnel immediately.

• Follows facility safety policies, procedures, and service excellence standards.

• Completes delegated duties accurately and in a timely manner as directed by the RN.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-1 years of experience as a patient sitter or similar role in a healthcare setting required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to maintain continuous patient observation and respond to safety concerns appropriately.

• Strong verbal communication skills to interact with patients, nurses, and the healthcare team.

• Knowledge of hospital safety protocols, infection control, and patient confidentiality regulations (HIPAA).

• Ability to remain calm and composed in high-stress or emergency situations.

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to recognize changes in patient behavior or condition.

• Professionalism and compassion in all patient interactions.

Licenses and Certifications

• BCLS - Basic Life Support completed by the end of the orientation period required

• SAMA course(s) completed within 30 days of employment required

Equal Employment Opportunity

This organization does not discriminate in any way to deprive any person of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the status of any employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, or military or uniformed services, in accordance with all applicable governmental laws and regulations. In addition, the facility complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to: hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. If you are an applicant with a mental or physical disability who needs a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, contact the director of Human Resources at the facility to which you are seeking employment; Simply go to to obtain the main telephone number of the facility and ask for Human Resources.

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