Sitter breaks

[permanentnights]

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?

[JDZ344]

When our sitters go for their breaks, the NA's take a turn sitting in there to cover the breaks. If the sitter just needs to run to the bathroom, they press the call bell and whoever answers waits with the patient.