Sitter

Overview

A Clinical Per Diem Sitter promotes a safe environment for patients that are deemed at risk for suicide or require supervision for safety reasons. This position can be held by any person holding an active NT listing, LPN license and/or RN license. This position serves all Cone Health campuses needing a sitter(s) and serves the following age categories: pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric.Delivers excellent customer service utilizing Relationship Based Care to advocate for safety, patient preferences, and optimal communication through partnering with patients/families and colleagues, including all internal and external customers.

Talent Pool: Patient Care

Responsibilities

Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills, which promote a positive intra- and interdepartmental atmosphere by exerting the following skills: Immediately report patient status changes, patient/family concerns or unsafe conditions to patients nurse or unit leadership; Relay information/messages to appropriate person(s) in a timely manner; Demonstrate proficiency in the use of manual and automated communication systems; Provide input for the patient's plan of care; Direct questions and problems to appropriate person, recognizing the need to seek assistance when necessary; Provide emotional support to patients and significant others as needed.--------------------------------------------------Observes patient at risk for safety which includes but is not limited to:

Obtain report from Nurse and follow the plan of care; Provide individualized attention to the patient to promote a safe environment; Assist nursing staff with patient care needs such as ADLs; Observe patients during meals and help feed the patient when necessary; Help the patient with any physical movement necessary (for example: in/out of the bed, stand up, walk, use the bathroom, take a shower, etc.); Notify patient's nurse of any adverse clinical changes (for example: different symptoms, abnormal gait, abnormal vital signs) and/or noncompliant behaviors (agitated, combative, demented, etc.); Document as needed on the Sitter Documentation Log --------------------------------------------------Observes patients at risk for suicide, as described in the Suicide Precaution for At Risk Patients policy (PR-NSG-2011-61) which includes but is not limited to:

Obtain report from Nurse and follow the plan of care; Perform an environmental search as outlined in Policy (PRN-NSG-2011-61); Keep the patient within arm's reach at all times including bathroom and off department activities; Document as needed on the Sitter Documentation Log; Perform an environmental search at any opportunity whereby contraband can be introduced into the patient's room and document on the Documentation Log (for example: after visitors or time outside patient room); Observe patients during meals and ensure all tableware and dinnerware used by the patient are taken out of patient's room; Communicate with incoming staff (lab, maintenance, dietary,etc.) that additional precaution is necessary; Assist nursing staff with patient care needs such as ADLs; Leave any non-essential equipment outside room and remove any equipment/supplies used or unused immediately upon leaving; Notify patient's nurse of any adverse clinical changes (for example: different symptoms, abnormal gait, abnormal vital signs) and/or noncompliant behaviors (for example: closing door, opening window, refusal to return tableware, attempting to leave observed area); Provide end of shift report to next shift sitter and patient's nurse. --------------------------------------------------

Qualifications

EDUCATION:Required:High school diploma or equivalency (GED), and one of the following:? Completion of a Nursing Assistant training program? Graduate of an approved Licensed Practical Nursing program? Diploma, Associate?s and/or Baccalaureate degree in Nursing Preferred:Baccalaureate degree in Nursing EXPERIENCE:Required:Minimum of six months of current work experience and documented competencies in area of application.Preferred:3+ years? experience working with at-risk patients LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY/LISTING:REQUIREDBLS (CPR)-American Red Cross or AHA Healthcare ProviderMust have one of the following:? A valid listing and be in good standing as a Nurse Aide I OR a Nurse Aide II (Nurse Aide II must be in addition to Nurse Aide I per the NC Board of Nursing)? Current RN/LPN license to practice Nursing with up to date competenciesPREFERRED