PATIENT CARE SITTER ED- EMERGENCY SERVICE- (PT - Days)

The Patient Sitter provides continuous observation and ensures the safety of patients experiencing behavioral health challenges or mental health crises. This role supports the Emergency Department team in maintaining a secure environment for patients who may be at risk of harm to themselves or others. The sitter communicates patient behaviors, needs, and any changes in condition to the healthcare team and helps create a calm, supportive atmosphere for recovery.

Essential Duties

• Provide continuous, direct observation of patients at risk for injury or harm, ensuring their safety at all times.
• Must accompany and remain within arms length of patient unless otherwise directed by nursing staff.
• Perform supportive/comfort functions with approval of nursing staff (i.e., light conversation, pushing call light, reposition covers/blankets, raising bed).
• Notify nursing staff immediately if there are changes in the patient's condition or behaviors that require clinical intervention.
• Transport patients as assigned within the ED area.
• Follow hospital policies and procedures regarding patient safety, including fall prevention, infection control, and behavior management.
• Maintain a calm and supportive presence for patients, offering comfort and reassurance.
• Accurately document patient activity, behavior, and interactions as required.
• Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure. 

Non-essential Duties

• Assist with light housekeeping tasks in patient rooms, such as straightening beds or removing clutter.
• Provide support to unit staff with other non-direct patient care tasks during downtime.
• Participate in hospital training and educational programs as required.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a healthcare or patient care environment preferred but not required.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in high-stress situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Completion of one clinical rotation in a college credited health science program preferred

Required Licensure/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• BLS certification required and kept current

Preferred Education

• Completion of one semester and actively enrolled (in good standing) in a college credited health science program; or graduate of an EMT-B training curriculum; or Certified Nursing Assistant in the State of Illinois and on the Nursing Assistant Registry; or relevant and consistent work experience.

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure:

• Chemicals: None
• Video Display Terminals: None
• Blood and Body Fluids: Overall, minimal risk of exposure to blood and body fluids.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Minimal risk. 

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Required to communicate with patient and staff. Ability to ask for help. 
• Vision: Required to observe patients.
• Smell: Needed to identify changes in patient status.
• Hearing: Needed for patient and staff communication.
• Touch: Contact with patients, need to distinguish between hot and cold.

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 75%
• Twist: 0%
• Stand: 15%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 8%
• Kneel: 0%
• Lift: 0%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 0%
• Climb: 0%
• Bend: 0%
• Reach above shoulders: 1%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 20 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 35 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 50 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements: Rarely a sitter may need to assist in rearranging items in a patient room.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 60
• Twist: 0
• Stand: 60
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 15
• Kneel: 0
• Lift: 0
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 0
• Climb: 0
• Bend: 5
• Reach above shoulders: 5

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp 10 lbs. Normal weight:< 10lbs rarely.
• Pushing & pulling 10-50 lbs: rarely.
• Fine Manipulation: manipulation of call lights, TV controls.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: N/A 

Environmental Factors and Special Hazards:

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

• Inside hours: 1-12
• Outside hours: 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere: Odors

Special Hazards: 

Protective Clothing Required: Protective Clothing Required: Latex gloves, disposable gowns, masks, hepa masks for TB.