RN's required to be sitters???

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So, our unit decided that if we have low census they are floating us to be "sitters" elsewhere in the hospital. AND apparently we can't refuse. I personally would rather be called off then go sit somewhere. What are your thoughts? Am I just overreacting?

Specializes in PACU.

Interesting as I have actually requested to be a sitter rather than be sent home without pay. Patient safety is paramount and I think it is fine to have qualified staff care for those patients who need it. I think you are being selfish.

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Specializes in PACU.
On 7/29/2020 at 3:48 PM, anneRN96 said:

Well crap. I didn't know I was that responsible. That makes it worse. I'm trained nicu I don't even do adults let some ICU or er level patients

My hospital needs adults to sit with all levels and patients , they have oriented the housekeeping staff to come in on their days off or off shifts for extra money sit.

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7 hours ago, AmandaB said:

If you consider yourself above taking on the role of a sitter, I feel bad for any staff you delegate to.

I don't think anything was said that would suggest you might need to feel bad for someone.

3 hours ago, greener22 said:

I think you are being selfish.

Or we could just chalk it up to personal preference!

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Forensics, Addictions.

I am an RN at a psych hospital. If I am not giving medications, I am acting as a sitter. We only sit for a maximum of 1.5 hours at a time, and usually less, maybe 2-3 times a shift. I regard sitting just as part of the job. If the facility wants to pay me to sit there and stare at a patient, why not?

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If my hospital wants to pay my RN salary to sit and watch a patient - why not??? My favorite "sitter" job was during flu season - sent to NICU to sit and make sure parents/visitors wash hands and don PPE before visiting their baby....Easy peasy kindof day, yes, please I'll take $45+/hour to do that anytime.

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Specializes in NICU/Mother-Baby/Peds/Mgmt.
On 8/11/2020 at 5:52 AM, SarahMaria said:

I am an RN at a psych hospital. If I am not giving medications, I am acting as a sitter. We only sit for a maximum of 1.5 hours at a time, and usually less, maybe 2-3 times a shift. I regard sitting just as part of the job. If the facility wants to pay me to sit there and stare at a patient, why not?

I'd be fine with a 1.5 hour sit, even a few times a shift, it's the 12 hour ones that stink.

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So much for wanting us to work at the top of our license!

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