PATIENT CARE SITTER

Description

The Patient Care Sitter observes their assigned patient for both physical and mental changes (i.e., sudden, rapid breathing, aggressiveness, being uncomfortable) and notifying the nursing staff of these changes. The Sitter also provides supportive, comfort and safety functions (i.e., getting the patient an extra pillow, answering their phone, getting water, light conversation) with knowledge/approval of the nursing staff. Physical contact with the patient is minimal to none.

Essential Duties

• Inform the nursing staff of any type of patient need, supply issues or concerns.
• Observes the patient for physical and/or mental changes.
• Performs supportive/comfort functions (i.e., light conversation, pushing call light or getting the nurse, getting water, raising the bed) with knowledge/approval of the nursing staff.
• Recognizes and reports physical and mental changes to the nursing staff.
• Serves as a team member in meeting patient's supportive/comfort needs.
  
  

Requirements

Required Experience

• None
  
  

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a healthcare or patient care environment preferred but not required.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in high-stress situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Completion of one clinical rotation in a college credited health science program preferred
  
  

Required Licensure/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
  
  

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

• Exposure to:
• Chemicals: Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Betadine, cleaning products.
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: Performs venipuncture and non-blood specimen collection and performs finger sticks for specimen testing, but the use of universal precautions and protection reduces risk.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Minimal - if a patient is infected, it is possible that the health care worker would be exposed, but it is greatly diminished by adherence to universal precautions.
  
  

Sensory Requirements (speech, Vision, Smell, Hearing, Touch)

• Speech: Needed for presentations/training, telephone communication, facilitate meetings, patient communication.
• Vision: Needed to read memos, literature, draw blood, and perform specimen handling.
• Smell: Electrical/fire safety.
• Hearing: Needed for telephone communications, meetings, and listening to employee and patient concerns.
• Touch: Needed to write, do computer entry, filing, draw blood and perform specimen handling.
• Activity/Lifting Requirements:
• Average Hours per Week: 32-40
• Shift: Days/Evenings
  
  

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 15%
• Twist: 2.5%
• Stand: 30%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 30%
• Kneel: 0%
• Lift: 5%
• Drive: 2.5%
• Squat: 5%
• Climb: 2.5%
• Bend: 5%
• Reach above shoulders: 2.5%
  
  

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 60 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required
  
  

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

• Putting away supplies.
• Lift above the head occasionally to place boxes on high storage shelves.
• Carry boxes up and down the stairs - distances up to 100 feet.
  
  

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 30
• Twist: .5
• Stand: 30
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 2
• Kneel: 0
• Lift: 5
• Drive: 30
• Squat: 1
• Climb: .5
• Bend: .5
• Reach above shoulders: .5 Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated): Simple grasp up to 15 lbs. Normal weight: continuous Pushing &pulling Normal weight: 50-200#
• Fine Manipulation: Writing, keyboarding, restocking supplies, specimen handling, venipuncture, assisting examiner.
• Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: Not Required
  
  

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
• Inside hours: 8.5
• Outside hours : 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal
• Atmosphere:
• Special Hazards:
• Protective Clothing Required: Gloves when handling blood and body fluids.