SITTER at Forrest General Hospital – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the nurse and nurse manager, maintains the safety of patients who are confused, at risk of falling, or are suicidal and deemed a danger to self or others. This includes maintaining safety for patients in restraints. Maintains safe, clean environment for patient area. May participate in diversion activities with the patient such as reading to the patient, playing games/cards, watching TV, etc. Effectively interacts with the patient, his/her significant others, and the nursing staff. Effectively communicates observations, conditions, problems, safety issues, and concerns regarding the patient directly with the nursing staff. He/she is responsible to the Patient Care Coordinator and Nurse Manager on the unit for patient care and ultimately accountable to the Administrative Nursing Director of Operations. Employs organizational strategies in a balanced approach that produces meaningful contributions to each element of the FGH Goals and Priorities. Requires the promotion of and adherence to the organization's established Compliance Program and Standards of Conduct. Performs other duties as assigned.

Performance Expectations:

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served; also demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development and possesses the ability to collect and relay appropriate data to nurse.

Demonstrates ability to perform skills required for each unit’s population by rendering care to sit with a patient when assigned that may include restraint procedures, 1:1 suicide precautions and safety measures to prevent patient from injuring themselves or falling. Demonstrates ability to perform skills using the tele-sitter protocol on assigned units to prevent patient from injuring themselves or falling. Consistently follows policy, procedures, and standards of care in preforming duties and promotes the established values of the organization, i.e. customer service, safety, infection control and compliance standards.

Demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate pertinent patient information to all health care team members using customer service skills and embraces and practices We CARE philosophy when interacting with patients, visitors, co-workers and physicians.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills

High School diploma or equivalent preferred

Work Experience:

Experience in a hospital environment preferred. Basic knowledge of patient care preferred.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

None

Additional Certification/Licensure - Obtained based on required timeframe below

Basic Life Support

Within 30 Days of Employment

Required

Mental Demands:

Ability to perform repetitive tasks, cooperate with others in a positive manner, take orders and follow directions precisely, read and write, communicate effectively and positively, maintain rapport in all situations, and adapt to varied socioeconomic levels and environments.