Part time patient sitters, hrs/wk, benefits?

[ntao]

Does anyone know if patient sitters get benefits as a part-time employee? How many hours do they usually work per week? I am a nursing student wanting to apply for the position, but I'm not sure if it will affect me while I'm in school.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Well, the hospitals I've known to use them have them strictly per-diem, as there is never a guarantee of hours/days that one will be needed. Benefits? No, because of per-diem status. Will it affect you while in nursing school? Depends: if you're trying to work overnights (when they're often needed) and still attend classes and study during the day, then yes it will affect you. Have seen a number of students do this job, however. Totally depends on the patient assignment. One day you might have a pretty docile, sleeping patient who didn't really "need" a sitter but there are reasons why someone insisted you be there---in which case you can get in study time (NO sleep). Other days, you might have all you can do to keep Patient Bertha from climbing out of bed or ripping out her lines---that's why you're there.

Check with your local facilities, see what the policies are for hiring, meet someone in HR....and good luck :)

[bebejasmine2002]

I was a per-diem sitter for 3 years (12hr/day shift) while going to nursing school. We do have full time sitters at our hospital (county). It is the easiest job ever and perfect for nursing students. I was able to get a lot of studying done (unless I had a really difficult patient).