Sitter in ICU

U.S.A. California

Published

I was wondering what a 1:1 sitter does in the ICU, especially during the 11-7 shift. It will be my first time tonight with my agency and wanted to be less nervous. Although, I am pretty excited to finally work in a hospital setting.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
I was wondering what a 1:1 sitter does in the ICU, especially during the 11-7 shift. It will be my first time tonight with my agency and wanted to be less nervous. Although, I am pretty excited to finally work in a hospital setting.

You'll be watching a confused/delerious/agitated patient to ensure that he doesn't hurt himself. Be prepared to spend a lot of time redirecting behavior. "Don't pull on that, Mr. Foley, you'll hurt yourself!" And "Keep your leg straight, Mr. Balloon Pump -- you've got a line in your groin."

Introduce yourself to the patient's nurse as soon as you get there and make a plan for the night. When will you take your break, where do you put your bag, and is there a comfortable chair for you to sit on? Can you use the bedside computer or that reserved for the nurse? Will you be bathing the patient and assisting them with bedpans, urinals, whatever? Make sure you understand the restraints in use -- if there are any -- and how to get in touch with the nurse.

Good luck on your first night.

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Ditto what Ruby Vee replied & be prepared to clean up poop. It's all about communication with the nurse.

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Thank you. The shift last night was a success. It was exactly how you described it!

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Hi, what are job titles for sitter positions online?

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