Sitter-Acute Care Departments

Position Summary

The Acute Care Sitter provides continuous observation and support for assigned patients in nursing units who require enhanced safety monitoring due to fall risk, confusion, behavioral health risk, elopement risk, medical condition, intoxication, or other safety concerns. Under the direction of licensed nursing staff, the Sitter helps maintain a safe environment, reports changes promptly, supports patient dignity and privacy, and follows all hospital policies, regulatory requirements, and emergency department procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide continuous visual observation of assigned patient(s) according to the level of observation ordered or directed by the registered nurse.
• Maintain a safe patient environment by identifying and promptly reporting potential hazards, unsafe behaviors, changes in condition, attempts to leave, fall risks, agitation, self-harm risk, or harm-to-others risk.
• Immediately notify licensed nursing staff of patient needs, changes in behavior, escalating safety concerns, requests for assistance, or clinical changes.
• Remain with the patient as assigned, including during transport, diagnostic testing, toileting, or other activities, unless relieved by authorized staff.
• Assist with non-clinical comfort measures and basic needs within scope and training, such as call-light access, positioning assistance as directed, meal setup, reassurance, and maintaining personal items within reach.
• Follow hospital policies related to suicide precautions, behavioral health observation, restraints and seclusion support, workplace violence prevention, infection prevention, patient privacy, and emergency response.
• Use de-escalation and communication techniques consistent with training and promptly seek assistance when patient behavior escalates.
• Document observations, patient activity, safety checks, and other required information accurately and timely in accordance with hospital policy.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, California privacy requirements, and hospital confidentiality standards.
• Communicate respectfully with patients, families, visitors, nurses, physicians, security, behavioral health staff, and other members of the care team.
• Participate in required training, competency validation, safety drills, and department meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred unless otherwise required by hospital policy.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from an approved provider required within the timeframe established by hospital policy.
• Completion of hospital-approved sitter, patient safety attendant, suicide precaution, workplace violence prevention, infection prevention, and privacy training required before independent assignment.
• Crisis prevention, de-escalation, or behavioral health safety training required within the timeframe established by hospital policy; current certification preferred.
• Prior experience in an acute care hospital, emergency department, behavioral health, security, patient care, caregiving, or customer service setting preferred.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to perform essential duties and communicate patient safety concerns. Additional language skills are preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong observation skills and ability to remain attentive for extended periods.
• Ability to follow directions from licensed clinical staff and escalate concerns promptly.
• Professional, calm, and respectful communication with diverse patients, families, and staff.
• Basic understanding of patient safety, fall prevention, infection prevention, confidentiality, and emergency department workflow.
• Ability to maintain boundaries and perform duties within assigned scope.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-acuity emergency department environment.

Physical, Mental, and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods during assigned shifts.
• Ability to observe continuously, remain alert, and respond quickly to safety concerns.
• Ability to hear alarms, verbal instructions, and patient requests in a busy emergency department environment.
• Ability to push, pull, bend, reach, and assist with non-clinical activity within training and hospital policy.
• May be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, combative behavior, traumatic situations, noise, and other emergency department hazards; appropriate personal protective equipment and training will be provided.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable federal and California law.

Schedule and Employment Status

This position may require day, evening, night, weekend, holiday, on-call, per-dem, overtime, or variable shifts based on Acute Care Departments’ staffing and patient safety needs. This position is classified as non-exempt and is eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable federal and California wage and hour law.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay

• Competitive compensation is based on experience, education, certifications, and applicable licensure.

Benefits (eligibility varies based on employment status)

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic Life and AD&D insurance
• Supplemental life insurance (employee, spouse, and/or child)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match up to 5%
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee wellness resources
• Professional development and training opportunities

At San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and compassionate environment for our patients, visitors, and one another. If you are looking for a meaningful career where your work has a direct impact on the health and safety of your community, we encourage you to apply today.

M/F/D/V/SO EOE