HMC Patient Safety Attendant

Patient Sitter

Position Summary: Responsible for providing direct observation of patients as directed by the nursing plan of care and under the supervision of the nursing staff and/or nursing supervisor; reporting on changes in the conditions of patients to the appropriate staff members; interacting and coping effectively with diverse populations in sudden, stressful situations resulting from trauma, and physical and mental illness; and performing tasks that are within the scope of his/her educational preparation, knowledge, and permitted by the policies and procedures of Southern Illinois healthcare and other local, state, and federal guidelines.

Education: High School diploma or equivalent preferred

Licenses and Certification: N/A

Experience and Skills: Previous CNA, nurse aide/patient care experience desired and/or 1-year prior experience as a mental health counselor, law enforcement officer, or in a mental/behavioral health role preferred.

Role Specific Responsibilities: Provides close observation of patients. Focuses solely on observation of the patient and avoiding any non-work related activities. Communicates with nursing staff to understand patient parameters before and during each assignment. Maintains and documents required logs and records. Remains with patient while in bathroom; always keeping a clear visual. Check that all suicide/mental health rooms are clear of any unnecessary medical equipment. Provides a proper handoff to another staff member, completed in the presence of the patient, when patient sitters must leave the patient. Able to use behavior management strategies to de-escalate agitated patients. Must be able to work with people who are sick or injured and who may be feeling low in their situation. Must be able to listen to patient's worries, so patient sitters need to be comfortable listening and responding, while always maintaining a professional approach. Keeps LMS education, CPR, CPI, and other required educations up to date.

Compensation (Commensurate with experience): $16 to $24