Patients safety attendant sitter

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 27, 2015

The job description should have been covered during the interview. Let that be a lesson that you should be certain to know what you're signing up for when you accept a job offer- always ask first.

Generally, patient sitters are assigned to those who require one on one attention. Sometimes it's because they are confused/have dementia/something else that makes them such a high harm risk (falls, pulling out lines, etc) that someone must watch them constantly. Other times, it's patients who are on suicide watch.

However, the job itself depends on the facility you have agreed to work for. You should ask for a copy of the job description.

BBboy · Dec 27, 2015

I am a tech and typically our float pool CNA's will work as "sitters" for patients. Pretty much you'll sit there for the duration of the shift 1 on 1 with the patient and make sure they don't do anything crazy (getting out of bed if they aren't supposed to, pulling out their trachs, harming others list goes on.) You will also assist the nurse with bedside turning, potentially bathing, and changing as well. Its honestly nothing too crazy to worry about, just keep your eyes on the patient and don't fall asleep. Its pretty lax for the most part but sitting for those many hours multiple times a week will definitely draw your patience

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Dec 27, 2015

I have a question. I am going to start a new job of patient safety attendant sitter in a hospital and I would like to know what they do or your experience of this job. I'm nervous because it will be my first time working with patient and hospital.

It all depends on what your employment contract specifies, as far as expected duties.

I worked as a pt sitter for about 2 years before I earned completed my VN program.

My position required CNA cert plus BLS. I think that, per my contract, I wasn't supposed to do much more than watch the pt to assure that they didn't hurt themselves. They were often in restraints.

I went beyond this and took vitals, gave bed baths, changed briefs, linens, kept the room clutter free and tidy, assisted with transfers, etcetera.

My duties often included charting on paper r/t pt care duties performed; assisting pts to eat, etc.

I enjoyed working in the hospital setting. I got to see nurses perform g tube feedings, watch them try to give PO meds to combative spitters, hang fluids, etc.

Most of my pts were suicidal or homicidal. Many had suffered cognitive problems r/t drugs.

My most favorite pts were the ones I got to see improve over time. For example, 1 guy came to me after being in an MVA and he couldn't talk/walk. Later on he was much improved, though still suffered some deficits. And the homicidal/suicidal pt who tried to run out of the hospital to get high. I had to call security because he ripped out his IVs and tried to run. But a few days later, he agreed to treatment for his underlying medical issues. Receiving treatment made his mental state improve.

anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP · Dec 27, 2015

It really depends on the patient. When I was a tech I'd sometimes be a sitter. If they were sedated it wasn't a big deal. I'd watch what was on the tv and do my charting. If it was a wild patient you may get tired of reminding them who, what, when, where and to get back in the bed. Sometimes you'll have some interesting stories, though.

A patient I sat with gave me a leprechaun.

I have yet to see the thing though.

Alinachavez · Dec 27, 2015

What do you do on the first day of orientation for this position?

Alinachavez · Dec 27, 2015

Where do you usually or who tells you which patient you will be with?

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Dec 27, 2015

Where do you usually or who tells you which patient you will be with?

If you are registry/float, the nursing supervisor assigns you to a floor. When you arrive at the floor, the charge RN assigns you the patient.

If you work on a specific floor, the charge RN assigns you a patient.

Alinachavez · Dec 27, 2015

on the interview the lady said that she preferred to show me on orientation day my responsibilities . I don't have the orientation till a month from now. THAT'S why i was asking so when i got to it i will have some MORE INFO...... thank you....

Alinachavez · Dec 27, 2015

whats the different of working in the float nursing float ?

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 27, 2015

on the interview the lady said that she preferred to show me on orientation day my responsibilities . I don't have the orientation till a month from now. THAT'S why i was asking so when i got to it i will have some MORE INFO...... thank you....

That right there is a big, neon, blinking red flag. An employer that won't tell you what they're hiring you to do is one that I would never, ever accept a job offer from.

Alinachavez · Dec 27, 2015

when working in the float nursing team. when you get to the hospital for your job where do you go first after clocking in for patient safety attendant/ sitter?