Can any nurses explain to me about being a patient sitter and what to expect?

Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN · Feb 12, 2011

What can you expect? Alot of long boring hours watching crazy/suicidal/demented patients. Have fun, I could never do it cuz I'd fall asleep or kill myself from boredom

gentlegiver, ASN, LPN, RN · Feb 12, 2011

I spent many hours as a sitter. If the patient is known to constantly pull on IV lines, Foley Caths, chest tubes or any other line attached to them, you job will be to watch them & redirect them when they go to grab what ever it is. Sometimes you will be watching people who keep trying to jump out of bed & walk around, usually after a stroke and they are unable to walk, your job is to prevent them from doing so. I have watched over teens with Anorexia to ensure they ate thier meals & didn't vomit the contents immediately afterwards. The type of patient you will watch are varied and what they need from you will also change from person to person. Try to arrive early enough to ask the Nurse what she wants you to watch out for. Are you a CNA or a TA?? If so then you can do all care for your patient. Feed them, change & wash them, walk them, keep them safe, let the nurse know if they are in pain, if your allowed, do VS if patient was sitting in a chair I would change the bed. Alot of the time my patients were sedated and slept thru my shift, I would bring a book, crochet, watch TV, but ALWAYS with an eye on the patient!! On occasion if my patient were sleeping, I would also help out with the roommate as long as I didn't leave sight of my "charge". Good Luck & keep alert!!

CranberryMuffin · Feb 12, 2011

Depends on the patient - some patients you do have to watch continuously (especially those with suicidal ideation). I was a sitter at times when I was in school (I was a PCT/CNA) and with some patients I could do homework, which was convenient (again, NEVER for patients with suicidal ideation). Some patients just need redirection and/or someone there to protect for patient safety. Sometimes a family member asks for a sitter when there really isn't so much going on with the patient - they may have specific safety concerns and/or the patient may have dementia.

When you get to the unit, ask the charge nurse for the assignment - they will either direct you to the nurse or give you report. The sitter coming off duty will also give you report, unless the patient is coming directly from the ER. The nurse will also be able to direct you to the specific care the patient needs. It can get extremely boring. You may also get to watch TV, you may not as well. Just depends on the situation.

WHATEVER YOU DO, though, don't leave the patient unattended if you are the sitter (this includes not letting the patient be alone in the bathroom) - no matter how much the patient begs, pleads, argues or gets upset. If you have to go to the bathroom, get a snack, etc., get someone to come in and watch the patient. I know this sounds obvious, but I've known of situations where patients were left unattended for a few minutes - including letting the patient go to the bathroom alone - and unfortunate things occurred. Sad, because it was 100% preventable.

panurse123 · Feb 12, 2011

Its not a bad job - especially if you are in school, you'll get lots of studying done! Yes- you'll have to stay in room even of family is there ( if they are suicidal/homicidal) you may have to even stand at doorway when they are in bathroom. It is the nurses responsibility to tell you why the pt needs a sitter. Usually, unless you are a CNA/tech - you can't do ANY pt care. even helping them out of bed to bathroom, you should not do. Basically you have to be oriented/trained in any pt care, or you leave the hospital responsible for a fall/problem. It's a great first job in a hospital!

Seawitch · Feb 13, 2011

Same as above - but the most BORING job of all time. Definately bring a book or start some study if you can!!

We use security guards at our job for psych patients and 'carers' who can attend to patients needs for the elderly and frail.

NaKcl, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2011

I agree, It is a boring job. but it can be an opportunity for you to help someone who is in distress. if the patient is not confused and able to/ willing to cary a conversation with you, I usaullay have some conversation with him or her while I am sitting there. generally, attempted suicide patients need someone to talk to. I do bring a book or two, but I end up having conversation with those patients. so, I practice the therapeutic communication with them. One time I discovered that the femal patient was being abused by her husband. She was so scared to tell anyone, however we end up protecting her by making arrangement for her to hide from her mean husband. Another time, a depressed women who though she does not have any hope in life got encouraged to strive for the better life for self. It is not required to do that while you are being a sitter, but I like to get two or more things out of price on one...

tokidoki7, ASN, RN · Feb 13, 2011

At the start of your shift make sure you ask the nurse why the patient needs a sitter. I occassionally sit with patients and sometimes the sitter from the previous shift knows nothing about the patient's status.

steelydanfan · Feb 13, 2011

I'm starting next week as a patient sitter in a hospital. I have no experience working as a sitter or in a hospital. I already had my orientation, but it's different than asking the nurses who actually work in the floors. First off, when I go to the floor, do I ask any nurse as to which room I should go to? I know we get assigned floors. Also, do we stay in the room when the family members are there? Do I just only sit and watch the patient and cannot feed them? or should i just ask the nurse?

This person has had an orientation, but STILL has no clue as to thier duties and responsibilities?

Wow, that's not a good mark on THAT hospital.

Seawitch · Feb 13, 2011

Maybe she was just nervous and the information didn't sink in?? Or maybe they give crap orientations??

Orange Tree · Feb 13, 2011

Sitters generally don't touch the patient at my hospital unless they're a CNA, too. For that reason. sitters are usually assigned patients who don't require a lot of maintenance. They're more likely to be put with a physically healthy, mobile, 23 year old suicide risk than a demented older man with a hip fracture who keeps trying to get out of bed. In other words, they usually get the "easy" patients.

In some cases, a sitter may briefly leave the patient's room when a reliable family member is visiting. It's case by case though, and you should always check with the nurse first.

HappyMeNow · Feb 13, 2011

Everyday depends on your patient. Some days you will get to sit there and have a lot of your studying done. Other days you may spend the entire 8 hours jumping out of your chair because your patient has sun downs or dementia and keeps trying to pull things out or climb out of bed.

Sitters have a it very very rough. I used to be one before I became a tech, and that's the good thing about being a sitter. I was able to move to a tech position. It's really not a job anyone would take just because they "want to help people". It's way too straining. But you have to keep your eyes on the big picture, focus on getting your foot in the door.

I've known 3 people who worked as sitters before they became RNs. It's definitely worth it in this job market.