Under direct supervision of the R.N. the sitter will observe patient(s) and assist in providing direct and indirect patient care.
The sitter is responsible for reporting any behavior and / or activities of the patient(s) that place the patient, family or staff at risk for harm.
Education
Current registration with the Maryland Board of Nursing as a certified nursing assistant.
Experience
6 months CNA experienced preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to read and write English in order to provide basic patient care, to understand and communicate detailed instructions relating to basic patient care and calculate Intake and Output.
- Interpersonal skills necessary to interact with patients, visitors, physicians, and other staff in a courteous manner.
- Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail and often in stressful situations.
- Interpretation of cardiac rhythms
- Skill in providing customer service
- Basic math skills to include multiplication, division, addition, subtraction of decimals and mathematical calculations
- Skill in problem solving
- Skill in using computers
- Thorough knowledge of role expectations and scope of practice
- Ability to maintain focus / concentration while watching multiple telemetry screens for an entire shift
Licensures, Certifications
- Heart Saver (CPR Certification)
- Current registration with Maryland Board of Nursing as a certified nursing assistant.
- Completion of GBMC's Cardiac Rhythm Class
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand and walk almost constantly up to 90% of work time and lifting and positioning patients up to 50% of work time.
Working Conditions
Provides close, constant, observation of a patient, requesting intervention when necessary.
Patient & Workplace Safety :
Employee has knowledge and understanding of patient and workforce safety as it relates to job duties.
Patient Population :
Demonstrates competency in the delivery of care and applies the knowledge to meet age-specific needs if applicable.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Sitter Case and Floor assignments
- Observes the patient(s) in the room, never leaving the patient's side without replacement, nursing direction and reporting off to nurse or other care provider.
- Perform all duties within the scope of position to support the unit as needed.
- Documents patient changes, within scope of position.
- Maintains a safe environment by removing any dangerous items and assessing the environment.
- Notifies care providers when the patient(s)' condition or behavior changes or needs care, using the call system
- Notifies care providers when leaving patient unattended.
- Uses proper techniques to avoid infection of patient and self and to avoid contamination of patient, equipment, and supplies.
- Contributes to the development of nursing care plans through frequent and accurate oral and written reports of occurrences and observances.
Performs and records delegated nursing care procedures on sitter sheets.
- Assists patients with feeding, ADLs, bathing, toilet, etc. if necessary, and collects trays at end of meal.
- Documenting VS in EPIC
Central Monitoring Station Assignment
Cardiac Monitoring Activities :
- Recognizes life-threatening rhythms, verifies monitor alarms and reports to appropriate nurse
- Differentiates normal from abnormal rhythms as well as changes from baseline and notifies appropriate nurse. Measures PR interval, QRS interval, measures rate and interprets the rhythm
- Identifies correct functioning of pacemaker and notifies appropriate nurse of malfunctions
- Recognizes all cardiac rhythms listed in monitor technician skills checklist
- Initiates and discontinues telemetry on admission or transfer of patients
- During code blue / RRT events, prints and labels monitor strips
- Verifies and adjusts alarm limits appropriate to the individual patient
- Verifies alarms are on at all times
Documentation :
- Print, label and mounts rhythms strips per protocol and whenever a rhythm or patient condition change occurs
- Print, label and mounts rhythm strips for each new Admission
- Calculates and documents cardiac intervals (PR, QRS< QT) and interprets rhythms
- Files rhythm strips in the unit rhythm books
- Ensures that paper loaders are full at all times
Safety :
- Maintains a neat, clean and safe working environment by inspecting all electrical and mechanical equipment prior to use and report promptly to appropriate personnel / department
- Maintains a clutter free work environment
- Trouble shoots monitoring equipment for immediately correctable problems such as printer paper, low battery
- Demonstrates knowledge of the proper functioning of equipment on the unit
Communication :
- Gives and receives a verbal report on pertinent patient monitor data to / from oncoming and off going shift
- Maintains rhythm strip logs / books for each monitored unit
- Communicates timely and effectively with appropriate individual changes in patient's rhythm, rate, alarms and equipment malfunction
- All documentation includes patient's name, MR number, rhythm, interpretation, interval measurements, date and time
- Uses designated phones to communicate any changes to the appropriate primary nurse, charge nurse / CUC
- Follows chain of command in reporting any changes
All roles must demonstrate GBMC Values
Respect
I will treat everyone with courtesy. I will foster a healing environment.
- Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy
- Listens and responds appropriately to others' needs, feelings, and capabilities
Excellence
I will strive for superior performance in every aspect of my work. I will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.
- Meets and / or exceeds customer expectations
- Actively pursues learning and self-development
- Pays attention to detail; follows through
Accountability
I will be professional in the way I act, look and speak. I will take ownership to solve problems.
- Sets a positive, professional example for others
- Takes ownership of problems and does what is needed to solve them
- Appropriately plans and utilizes required resources for various job duties
- Reports to work regularly and on time
Teamwork
I will be engaged and collaborative. I will keep people informed.
- Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others for the success of the team
- Addresses and resolves conflict in a positive way
- Seeks out the ideas of others to reach the best solutions
- Acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of others
Ethical Behavior
I will always act with honesty and integrity. I will protect the patient.
- Demonstrates honesty, integrity and good judgment
- Respects the cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients / families / coworkers
Results
I will set goals and measure outcomes that support organizational goals. I will give and accept help to achieve goals.
- Embraces change and improvement in the work environment
- Continuously seeks to improve the quality of products / services
- Displays flexibility in dealing with new situations or obstacles
- Achieves results on time by focusing on priorities and manages time efficiently
COVID-19 Vaccination
All applicants must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or obtain a GBMC approved medical or religious exemption prior to starting employment at GBMC Healthcare, to include Gilchrist and GBMC Health Partners.
Equal Employment Opportunity
GBMC HealthCare and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.