Observational Patient Sitter - Mercy Hospital, South St Louis

Observational Patient Sitter

A career with us is rewarding in more ways than one. As a hospitality services company, our commitment is to create smiles by delivering exceptional experiences. When you work with us, you have an opportunity to impact the millions of patients, visitors and guests we proudly serve. Whether providing compassionate service that eases the anxiety of a patient and their family, creating a memorable experience for a guest in a new city, or helping a colleague, every day is a new opportunity to brighten someone else's day and make an impact. When we see a customer, a client or one of our own team members smile, we know we made an impact. It's why we do what we do.

Towne Park is a place where you can make a difference and create smiles every day.

Job Summary: The Observational Sitter is a non-clinical role that will provide bed-side observation and assistance while monitoring all activity of a specific patient in a hospital or medical center. The Sitter is responsible for sitting with and observing an assigned patient. No nursing or medical care is provided by the Observational Sitter. The Observational Sitter works with the nursing staff, and provides physical or other activity reports regarding the patient. The Sitter can assist with simple tasks such as reading to the patient, answering the phone, and getting water. Duties will be performed under the direction of the nurse in charge of the patient. The Sitter is responsible for contacting the nurse if the patient requires anything additional and will not provide medical assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains pleasant, friendly and professional demeanor with all Guest/Patients, co-workers, and clients.
• Remains at bedside of assigned patient at all times unless relieved by an appropriate staff member.
• Verbally calms and/or reorients the patient in cases of agitation or confusion.
• Removes visible hazards and/or broken equipment from immediate environment and reports to Guest Service Captain or Account Manager as appropriate.
• Assists with keeping patient's room clean, safe and orderly.
• Acknowledges and greets Guest/Patients with a professional and friendly demeanor.
• Answers the telephone promptly and politely; within client/Towne Health standards.
• Demonstrates a willingness and ability to assist others.
• Responds to emergencies by immediately alerting nursing staff.
• Practices proper client and/or Towne Health phone etiquette.
• Assists patient's visitors with directions, information and other general inquiries, as appropriate.
• Ensures that patient and business confidentiality is maintained at all times.
• Delivers messages, items and/or amenities as requested.
• Attend to the various non-clinical needs of the patient. May perform the basic functions in patient's room such as providing water, and alerting the nursing staff immediately if a medical emergency or irregular behavior is identified.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read, speak and write standard English language.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to understand 24 hour and military time systems.
• Knowledge of equipment including telephones, codes and alarms, two-way radios.
• Ability to perform general typing and and/or basic computer skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and remain calm in stressful situations.
• Possesses ability to work under pressure. Able to observe mentally-ill patients.
• Able to accept leadership and guidance from RNs and LPNs.
• Ability to do rotating 4, 8, or 12-hour shifts as scheduled including weekend rotation. May be required to work different shifts based on needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); AND a minimum of one month previous experience working with patient or related experience and/or training; OR equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous experience hospital setting preferred.
• For insurance purposes, must be at least 18 years of age and be able to pass a criminal background and drug screen.