Job Title: Sitter: Patient Observation Attendant

The Patient Observation Attendant (“POA”) is responsible for observing assigned patients. The POA will place the patient in a safe environment for continual observance/monitoring. Any changes in the patient's physical or mental behaviors will be reported to assigned nurse. POA must have the ability to sit for long periods of times, assist patient to restroom and other locations as needed.

Essential Job Duties:

• Performs tasks as delegated by the Professional Nurse and physicians.

• Recognizes and reports changes in patient behavior to the Registered Nurse.

• Reports location of patient when requested.

• Monitors and restocks supplies in patient’s room as needed.

• Retrieves medical records and supplies.

• Maintains patient comfort, safety and privacy.

• Assists with repositioning of patient as needed and every two hours. Assist feeding of patient’s at low risk of aspiration as directed by charge nurse.

• Escorts patient to procedures and report back to Charge nurse whilst patient is away from unit.

• Receive and give handoff report at shift change; handoff to include patient’s who are at risk for falls, wandering patients and patients at risk of self harm or harm to others.

• Sitter must stay with patient at ALL TIMES during shift. Our priority is to ensure patient safety and comfort. Patient must be escorted within Coast Plaza Hospital, sitter may not leave premises with patient. .

• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

• Assist in maintaining effective communication with patient, family and multi-disciplinary team members.

• Maintains effective communication with patient, family and multi-disciplinary team members according to level of care delegated.

• Responds to patient and visitor questions and needs immediately and within established standards.

  
  

Behavioral Standards:

• Recognizes patients/guests immediately.

• Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation, respect, and sensitivity toward patients, visitors, physicians and fellow employees.

• Fosters guest relations by maintaining an atmosphere of interdepartmental cooperation by displaying initiative and offering of assistance within job description.

• Acts responsibly, logically and appropriately in both normal and stressful situations.

  
  

Communication/Knowledge:

• Provides accurate and timely written and verbal communication of clinical information in

• a manner that is understood by all involved in the delivery of patient care.

• Able to listen, understand, problem-solve, and carry-out duties to ensure the optimal patient care outcomes.

  
  

Collaboration/ Teamwork

• Practices effective, honest and polite communication.
• Keeps patients and their families informed of care.
• Deals with patient issues effectively.
• Fosters and maintains an environment which supports confidentiality, respect for privacy and cultural sensitivity.

Minimum Education/Experience:

• High School Graduate

  
  

Required License(s) and Certification(s):

• BCLS

• Managing of Assaulted behavior (MAB)

  
  

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking. Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients. Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching. Visual and auditory faculties required.