PATIENT SITTER (CNA REQUIRED)

Description

Under the supervision and direction of an RN, provides close observation of the behavioral health patient. Assists in the provision of a safe and clean environment of care for the patient.

Promotes a therapeutic environment and increases the efficiency of the nursing team.

The sitter will observe the patient and alert the charge nurse or primary nurse if the patient exhibits risk of harming themselves or others.

Education : High School Diploma / GED

Certification & Licensures : BLS Required from the American Heart Association. Licensed by the State of Tennessee as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Completion of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) upon hire.

Departmental Responsibilities :

• Uses work time productively; limits personal phone calls, personal written communication, visitors, etc. to break and meal-times
• Routinely maintains a safe and clean patient care work area to promote patient and visitor satisfaction
• Demonstrates flexibility in working hours, shift schedules, and patient assignments in order to meet staffing requirements
• Accepts responsibility for attending staff meetings, reviewing staff meeting minutes and all other unit communications
• Follows established procedure for schedule changes, special time and vacation requests and return to work slips
• Complies with all hospital rules, regulations, and nursing standards.
• Responsible for honest behavior in all matters. To the best of the employees knowledge and understanding, complies with all Federal and State laws and regulations.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital and departmental mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.

Patient Care :

• Obtains verbal report from the patient's nurse, including information regarding the patient's identified care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, as well as any special considerations.
• Positions his / herself outside of patient room or at bedside to maintain constant visual observation of the patient. Never leaves the patient alone or out of sight unless specifically requested by the nurse.
• Obtains instruction from nurse regarding ambulation limitations and course of action for redirection of patient if needed.
• Observes the patient's activity and behavior and communicates on a regular basis to the nurse. Receives direction from the nurse re : what to report, to whom, and how.
• Provides patient care promptly and accurately as directed by the Registered Nurse and in accordance with the patient's plan of care and sitters scope of practice.
• Answers patient call light in a timely manner and intervenes appropriately
• Maintains patient care environment in a safe and orderly manner.
• Documents care provided clearly and concisely using black ink or through Paragon charting as available.
• Accurately and legibly records data collected and notifies RN of any untoward events, i.e., behavioral changes, violent behavior, etc.

Professional and Self Development :

• Strives to maintain a high level of professionalism and demonstrates an active interest in developing knowledge and skills
• Accepts accountability for actions by utilization of self-evaluation, peer and supervisor evaluation to modify job performance
• Articulates and demonstrates a professional image daily to patients, visitors and other professionals
• Utilizes appropriate channels to communicate stressful situations and / or areas of concern
• Promotes positive relations between unit staff, other departments, patients, visitors, physicians and community agencies
• Maintains the privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information. Uses and discloses only that information which is necessary to perform the function of the job.
• Attends required educational in-services
• Functions cooperatively as a team member. Responds as directed by responsible nurse to changing patients' / unit's needs.

During a patient or environmental emergency, may serve as a runner or transport patients as directed.

• Communicates in a professional manner and demonstrates respect for patient, families / significant other and other health care members.
• Offers consistent and visible support to team members.
• Offers support and feedback to peers and staff. Applies principles of caring and healing in interactions with patients and families and with colleagues.
• Performs regular duties as assigned.

Nashville General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran.

We are an E-Verify employer.

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