Sitter breaks

Nurses Relations

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Who does the 1:1 sitter breaks on your unit? I know we are bound by state law and union contracts, but we are often left sitting for an hour. They take their two 15 minute breaks and 30 minute lunch break all at once. That of course, leaves our patients unattended, except for emergencies and pretty well assures we will have no break. Do other hospitals send around someone to relieve the sitters or does nursing do it?

Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
In private settings, I've found some 1:1 sitters remain in the room with their patient on break so that no one realizes what an easy job they have and they can come back just to sit there day after day even if they aren't actually needed.

WOW -- what a nasty attitude!

Sitting is a difficult job, if you're doing it right. Sitters deserve their breaks!

Specializes in Hem/Onc/BMT.

Are there any hospitals where they provide relief for sitters? That would be too good to be true!

At my workplace, the nursing staff always relieved sitters. The PCTs would cover the sitter's break and nurses would be covering the PCT for the duration. In some situations, charge nurse would step in and help out as well. It usually works out fine that way.

In private settings, I've found some 1:1 sitters remain in the room with their patient on break so that no one realizes what an easy job they have and they can come back just to sit there day after day even if they aren't actually needed.

Wow, NOADLS, You really have issues with aides/PCTs, don't you?

1:1's are not as easy as it would seem. Even just sitting all shift can get claustrophobic. With that being said, it is usually not just "sitting". Some patients need constant re-direction--to ensure their safety--which is what 1:1 is all about to begin with.

Usually, there are 2 PCT's that are assigned. Or a PCT and a per diem sitter, depending on the census. Even a PCT from another unit can sit for a few minutes when the assigned sitter needs a break. Usually, when the nurse rounds each hour, the sitter can have a bathroom break. And the other assigned PCT comes to cover lunch.

It appears the charge nurse has lost control.No way should the sitter combine break time into an hour. Mayhaps the inmates are running the asylum?

As charge, when I made out the assignment, I also assigned breaks and coverage. If problems came up during the day and a change of plans were needed, I was notified and made any changes necessary.

How is your charge nurse handling the situation?

Specializes in long term care, alzheimer's, ltc rehab.
In private settings, I've found some 1:1 sitters remain in the room with their patient on break so that no one realizes what an easy job they have and they can come back just to sit there day after day even if they aren't actually needed.

WOW--spoken like someone who has never pulled a sitter assignment a day in their lives. I was a PCA/sitter for years before I became a unit secretary and I can tell you that I almost always got stuck with the train wreck/combative patients that everyone else had already dealt with (we rotated so the same person didn't have them all the time). Also, I managed to keep myself busy while the patient was sleeping, even if it was by cleaning up the room or something like that.

Specializes in Public Health.

Been there, done that. Sitting is the worst. Either you're trying to keep the pt from hurting themselves or you're dead bored.

I have felt the fury when the sitters would try blocking their breaks into a whole hour. Hell to the no.

Sitting isn't always easy. We are saying the combined hour is too long (I agree)... So imagine sitting with that same combative/confused/etc pt for the whole 12 hour shift. Ugh.

Specializes in Cardiac Care.

It doesn't matter if the person is sleeping, or if they are combative. It's NOT easy. Sitting is the last job I want to see beside my name on the assignment sheet. I can't stand to be isolated in one room for 12+ hours. It's awful. Period.

And perhaps they cluster their breaks together into one because they won't get the two other 15 minute breaks if they don't.

At my hospital, we're SUPPOSED to get a 30 minute lunch and 3 - 15 minute breaks for a 12 hour 1:1 shift. Never has happened, ever. I've always had my 30 minute lunch and all the rest has been less than 5 minutes to the bathroom & getting a drink.

the aides cover, unless the only aide is the one that is sitting and then the patient's assigned nurse covers it and we cover his/her patients (pain meds, potty etc...)

Wow, NOADLS, You really have issues with aides/PCTs, don't you?

I don't. They have a job to do and I have a job to do. No hard feelings if they end up with the physical work; after all, that's what they signed up for.

WOW--spoken like someone who has never pulled a sitter assignment a day in their lives. I was a PCA/sitter for years before I became a unit secretary and I can tell you that I almost always got stuck with the train wreck/combative patients that everyone else had already dealt with (we rotated so the same person didn't have them all the time). Also, I managed to keep myself busy while the patient was sleeping, even if it was by cleaning up the room or something like that.

I wouldn't mind getting paid to sit around and play on my phone.

Sitting is typically pretty easy at my hospital. The aides cover the sitters for the most part. If you have a combative patient or one that refuses to remain in their bed or chair and is a fall risk, it can be very frustrating. If they have a sitter case on a quiet patient, I wouldn't mind, because I can get school work done. :) Otherwise, put me on the floor!

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