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

[italy]

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?

[italy]

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.

so, let me ask YOU then. when you FIRST started work, you KNEW everything even though they gave you an orientation? it's DIFFERENT then hearing what the duties are and actually doing them hands-on. I know what the duties are, I was asking for some feedback since I was nervous. You would think being a nurse and learning to have compassion, you would at least be a little understanding. who am I kidding...

[rn/writer, RN]

No need for anyone to give or take offense.

Being a sitter is a challenging job that depends so much on the patient's particular needs that prior training is only part of the story.

I have been a sitter for many patients over the years, and can tell you they fall into several categories.

Those who are disoriented need someone to keep them from trying to get out of bed or pulling out tubes and such.

Those who have expressed suicidal ideation need a calm presence to sit with them and make sure they don't try to hurt themselves (or to alert someone if they do).

As a nurse, I have a little more freedom to touch patients and take vitals, but when I'm working as a sitter, my primary focus is keeping the patient calm and quiet.

I work nights, so you would think most of my patients would be asleep. This is not usually the case. The disoriented folks often have no conception of time and surface when they feel like it. The suicidal ones like to talk. I'm good with that. I let them direct the conversation. Sometimes having another person to listen (without a particular agenda) is a relief to them and proves to be therapeutic. I can tell you I have learned a lot.

I'm fortunate to work for an employer that has reasonable rules. Some places do not allow sitters do anything except sit. That sounds like it would guarantee complete attention, but in fact it does just the opposite. The brain is engineered to shut down where there is no stimulation. An activity that can be engaged in lightly actually keeps the mind lively and promotes a more attentive state.

If your facility allows, I would encourage you to read (or do something else that you can drop instantly) so that you remain alert and ready to jump up at a second's notice.

Be wary of your patients and their capacity to do the unexpected, but don't be afraid of them. They're just regular folks who are a little more vulnerable for the moment.

Do position your chair where you can see properly. Don't turn your back on the patient. And let the nurse know about anything that concerns you including verbal threats or a menacing demeanor.

Try to coordinate your break time with regular staff. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for taking that time (You're whole shift is a break!). You're entitled to it by law, and you need to be able to use the restroom and eat your lunch. Truth be told, most of the people who relieve you are grateful for a few minutes when they're not running the halls.

Some people hate being a sitter, but I have had so many good and interesting experiences that I see it as a bit of variety and an opportunity to be with patients I'd never otherwise run across.

I hope it works well for you.