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ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:Continuous Patient Observer (Sitter)

REPORTS TO POSITION:Nurse Manager or ANM

DEPARTMENT: Varies

DATE LAST REVIEWED: April 1, 2024

OUR VISION: Creating Americas healthiest community, together.

OUR MISSION: In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value

OUR VALUES: Accountability, Caring and Teamwork

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: The Continuous Patient Observer (Sitter) is utilized in various nursing departments throughout St. Charles Health System. These departments provide 24/7 specialized care to patients throughout their hospitalization and discharge.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Continuous Patient Observer (Sitter) is responsible for providing constant observation and support to patients who require close monitoring due to medical, behavioral, or safety reasons. The CPO will work under the direction of an RN to provide constant observation on a patient who is in danger of causing harm to themselves or others if left unattended and facilitate a safe environment for patients and staff. The CPO ensures the patient's safety and comfort while adhering to established protocols and procedures. This position does not directly supervise any other caregivers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Provides continuous monitoring by maintaining constant visual observation of assigned patients to ensure their safety and well-being. Remaining alert to changes in patient behavior or condition and promptly report any concerns to the nursing staff or healthcare team.

Provides assistance with activities of daily living, such as ambulation, toileting, and feeding, as needed.

Accurately document observations, interventions, and patient responses in the medical record according to established procedures and policies.

Observes and documents behaviors and changes in patient conditions and communicates the information to the Registered Nurse assigned.

Alerts nursing staff if there is a change in the patients behavior or condition or the patient requires assistance or other nursing intervention.

Follows safety measures and interventions as instructed, such as de-escalation strategies and room safety protocols, while ensuring patient dignity and respect.

Engages with patients in a compassionate and supportive manner to alleviate anxiety, boredom, or distress during periods of observation.

Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, supporting the health systems corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violations of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all company investigations and proceedings.

Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient, and accurate.

Supports the vision, mission, and values of the organization in all respects.

Supports lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.

Participates in creating intentional relationships and demonstrates focus attitudes and behaviors that enhance the care experience.

Provides a therapeutic presence in service to others by purposefully responding to the needs of patients in a caring way, including introducing oneself and explaining role in patients care,asking the patient his or her preferred name, sitting with the patient to determine his or her care goals, active listening, and communicating effectively and appropriately through touch, eye contact, etc.

Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests.

Documents all patient care with proficiency in compliance with hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory agencies.

EDUCATION
Required: High School Diploma or GED
Preferred: N/A

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION

Required: N/A

Preferred: N/A

EXPERIENCE

Required: N/A

Preferred: Monitor Technician or Patient Safety Technician experience. Acute health care experience.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:

Basic understanding of medical terminology, patient care principles, and safety protocols.

Strong observational skills and attention to detail.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations.

Physical stamina and ability to stand or sit for extended periods.

Ability to effectively interact and communicate with all levels within St. Charles Health System and external customers/clients/potential employees.

Strong team working and collaborative skills.

Ability to follow verbal and written communications in order to complete duties and assignments.

Must be able to travel to all SCHS worksites.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Continually (75% or more): Standing and walking, keyboard operation, use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level.

Frequently (50%): Sitting, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 1-25 pounds. The use and operation of a motor vehicle for Home Health and Wound Caregivers.

Occasionally (25%): Bending, stooping/kneeling/crouching, climbing ladder/step-stool (varies by area), reaching overhead, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 25-50 pounds, grasping/squeezing, ability to hear whispered speech level.

Rarely (10%): Climbing stairs.

Never (0%): Climbing ladder/step-stool (varies by area), operation of a motor vehicle.

Exposure to Elemental Factors

Rarely (10%): Wet/slippery area, chemical solution.

Never (0%): Heat, cold, noise, dust, vibration, uneven surface.

Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category

Risk for Exposure to BBP

Schedule Weekly Hours:

Caregiver Type:

Shift:

Is Exempt Position?

Job Family:

Scheduled Days of the Week:

Shift Start & End Time:

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