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in Conroe, TX

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Hours Full-time, Part-time
Location Conroe, Texas

About this job

Under the general direction of the Unit Supervisor and the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Vocational Nurse for the Specialty Pool, the Patient Sitter provides Patient Sitter activities and accommodative services to the adolescent, adult and geriatric patients admitted for medical/surgical problems. The Patient Sitter supports the personal care of patients under the direction of the Medical Staff and a Registered Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse pursuant to the mission and objectives of the hospital. Actual duties and responsibilities may vary depending on assigned area.

Staff in this job category are responsible for consideration of development issues of patients in each of the following age groups identified.

Infancy Birth to 1 year

Toddlers Age 1 to 3

Preschool Age 3 to Age 5

School Child Age 5 to Age 12

__X__ Adolescent Age 12 to Age 18

__X__ Young Adult Age 18 to Age 44

__X__ Middle Age Age 45 to Age 65

__X__ Older Adult Age 65 and Over

III. PERFORMANCE COMPETENCIES:

1. The sitter reports to the charge nurse on arrival to the unit.

2. Personal Appearance Standards are followed for sitter attire.

3. While the sitter’s preference is considered when assigning breaks and lunch times, overall patient needs take precedence over individual requests. The sitter may not leave for break without Registered Nurse (RN) permission and the provision of continuous monitoring during the sitter's absence.

4. The sitter may not make or receive personal phone calls while on duty. This includes the use of personal cellular phones. In the case of an emergency, the sitter will notify the RN that he/she needs to take a break to make a telephone call and wait for someone to relieve him/her.

5. Sitters are not to sleep on duty. Sleeping is grounds for immediate termination

6. Sitters are not permitted to eat while on duty. A meal break will be provided if patient coverage for a break exists.

7. Sitter may have reading material while on duty, but it must not interfere with his/her duties to observe the patient.

Patient Rights

1. The sitter may be present and overhear discussions related to the medical or psychiatric condition of the patient. These conversations are confidential and should not be repeated or shared with anyone.

2. The sitter does not engage in conversations with the patient regarding his/her medical or psychiatric condition or plan of care nor does he/she offer suggestions. The sitter will refer the patient to the nurse or physician to answer any questions regarding care.

3. The sitter monitors the patient's verbalizations and immediately informs the nurse if the patient expresses any idea or intention to hurt self/others or leave without physician's permission (elopement or Against Medical Advice {AMA}).

Technical Competencies

1. Sitters observe the patient and maintain a safe environment, and as delegated by the RN, may provide care to the patient that does not interfere with the ability to maintain continuous visual contact.

a. Non-licensed nursing staff assigned as sitters may complete all aspects of ADL’s for all patients in the room. This includes but is not limited to the following: vital signs, bathing, feeding, toileting, ROM and restraint protocol if appropriate.

b. Ancillary staff may provide care within the scope of their regular practice.

2. Sitters sit in the patient’s room with an unobstructed view of the patient. Patient requests for assistance are promptly referred to the nursing staff via the call light/intercom system.

3. The sitter accompanies the patient for any clinical tests or procedures off the unit. The sitter remains within an arm's length distance of the patient unless otherwise directed by the person performing the test or procedure.

4. The sitter may be assigned to monitor two patients in the same room. The sitter positions him/herself to maintain an unobstructed view of both patients. Additional staff must be provided if patient activity (e.g., patient ambulating in the hall, patient in the restroom or patient transported off the unit) prevents the sitter from simultaneously monitoring both patients.

5. While on duty, a sitter may not leave the patient’s room without RN approval and/or relief.

a. If the sitter is instructed to leave the room temporarily while the patient receives care, he/she waits outside the door so that he/she can resume duty without delay.

b. If the patient’s visitor requests that the sitter leave the room temporarily, the sitter must first obtain RN approval.

6. Sitter should turn on/off or adjust the station or volume on a radio or television only at the patient’s request.

Exception: The volume on the radio/television should be adjusted so as not to disturb other patients .

7. If the patient is restrained the sitter

a. May not remove or adjust restraints. Notify the RN if the patient complains of discomfort or attempts to remove the restraint(s).

b. Must ensure that the patient's dignity is preserved: patient is covered, curtains, door adjusted to provide privacy.

c. Must ensure that essential care needs are addressed (e.g., if upper limbs are restrained assist patient with facial tissue use.)

8. In the event of an emergency or a sudden change in the patient’s condition/behavior (e.g., Code Blue or escape attempt), the sitter is to notify the RN immediately via the call light/intercom system. Other observations are reported to the RN on a regular basis.

9. Employee reflects HCA values and sensitivity to HCA ethics and compliance principles in his/her daily activities.

a. Adheres to policies on appropriate access.

b. Respects patient confidentiality.

c. Upholds code of conduct.

d. Conforms to hospital dress code for nursing department.

e. Arrives to work on time and initiates work in a timely manner.

f. Follows through with assignments, informs supervisor of an inability to complete a task.

g. Consults supervisor during light workload situations for additional assignments or independently seeks tasks needing to be done.

h. Willing to adjust personal schedule in case of workload fluctuations or departmental needs.

i. Annually assist in formulating unit goals and objectives.

10. Professional Growth Responsibilities:

a. Attends hospital and unit in-services as required and maintains continuing education based on licensure requirements.

b. Maintains current BLS certification.

c. Participates in self evaluation:

1. Identifies areas of strength and growth needs.

2. Identifies goals and objectives for professional performance.

3. Achieves identified goals and objectives.

d. Knows the philosophy, policies, guidelines, and protocols of the hospital, nursing department, and own unit and participates in evaluation and revision of same.

e. Serves as a member of selected hospital committees as appointed or interest indicates.

C. INTERACTIVE COMPETENCIES:

1. Maintains own personal growth through appropriate organizations, workshops, seminars, and other education endeavors.

2. Actively participates in hospital and departmental committees and group meetings with a focus on improving the quality of patient care.

3. Communicates effectively with staff and management members maintaining harmonious relationships.

4. Readily accepts re-assignment of duties from Clinical Coordinator when department priorities change.

5. Consistently checks with other staff members and assists them when needed.

6. Maintains awareness of current developments and trends in nursing practice as appropriate to the provision of nursing care.

D. CUSTOMER SERVICE (15%)

1. Service

a. Consistently provides outstanding service to all patients, physicians, fellow employees and guests.

b. Displays initiative to see processes through to completion and offers assistance without being asked.

c. Consistently responds to requests in a timely manner.

d. Maintains awareness of own limitations and seeks guidance from appropriate personnel when needed.

e. Consistently performs patient care in accordance with policy and procedures.

f. Consistently completes additional assigned duties.

2. Teamwork

a. Consistently demonstrates behavior which reflects that working as a team is more important than self interest.

b. Demonstrates interpersonal competencies such as problem solving, negotiations and conflict management to improve team work.

c. Actively participates in department committees and group meetings with a focus on providing input to improve quality of service.

3. Attention to Behavior

a. Consistently maintains professional level of conduct.

b. Facilitates communications with patients, physicians, co-workers, and guests.

c. Consistently demonstrates courteousness and positive behavior, i.e. smile, pleasant and soft tone of voice, good eye contact.

d. Self appearance is neat and clean.

e. Maintains confidentiality with regard to patient data and the operation of the department.

4. Respect

a. Utilizes appropriate lines of accountability for the continuous improvement of quality care.

b. Ensures that problems or concerns regarding activities in the hospital or department are communicated appropriately.

c. Protects confidentiality of Patients and co-workers respecting their dignity, privacy and differences.

d. Shows respect for hospital property and the property of others.

IV. EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

A. Certified with the State of Texas preferred.

B. Current BCLS course completion (American Heart Association Health Care Provider required).

V. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

A. Physical Activity: D.O.T. Strength Rating: H

B. Working Hazards or Risks - routine hazards and risks involved in performing nursing activities, including potential exposure to infectious processes, potential exposure to hazardous substances, potential musculoskeletal injuries.

C. OSHA Blood Borne Risk Category I.