The Patient Care Sitter observes their assigned patient for both physical and mental changes (i.e., sudden, rapid breathing, aggressiveness, being uncomfortable) and notifying the nursing staff of these changes. The Sitter also provides supportive, comfort and safety functions (i.e., getting the patient an extra pillow, answering their phone, getting water, light conversation) with knowledge/approval of the nursing staff. Physical contact with the patient is minimal to none.

Essential Duties

• Inform the nursing staff of any type of patient need, supply issues or concerns.
• Observes the patient for physical and/or mental changes.
• Performs supportive/comfort functions (i.e., light conversation, pushing call light or getting the nurse, getting water, raising the bed) with knowledge/approval of the nursing staff.
• Recognizes and reports physical and mental changes to the nursing staff.
• Serves as a team member in meeting patient's supportive/comfort needs.

Required Licensure/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to: 

• Chemicals: Refer to MSDS Sheets 
• Video Display Terminals: Extreme 
• Blood and Body Fluids: Minimal potential due to very restricted direct patient contact. 
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Minimal potential due to very restricted direct patient contact. 

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

• Speech: Required to communicate with physicians, patients, staff and hospitals. 
• Vision: Needed to see MIS display, graphic lines for documentation, read printouts of reports, names on charts and forms. 
• Smell: Needed for electrical/fire safety, detect presence of ETOH on patients and visitors. Hearing: Needed for telephone communication, hear intercom system from patient rooms and front door. 
• Touch: Required to manipulate and operate office equipment and tools. 

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

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

• Sit: 68%
• Twist: 10%
• Stand: 20%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 10%
• Kneel: 2%
• Lift: 5%
• Drive: 2%
• Squat: 5%
• Climb: 1%
• Bend: 5%
• Reach above shoulders: 2%

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

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally
• 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:

• Carry records from place to place, waist high approx 10-15'. 
• Lift supplies from floor to cabinets, about 3-4'. 
• Lift/carry supplies from utility rooms to counter and office. 
• Carry stacks of chairs waist high approx 5-15'. In an emergency, could be required to carry a fire extinguisher down/up 3 flights of stairs and several hundred yards.

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

• Sit: 120
• Twist: 10
• Stand: 30
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 10
• Kneel: 5
• Lift: 2
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 5
• Climb: 1
• Bend: 15
• Reach above shoulders: 2

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp up to 10 lbs. 
• Normal weight: 5- 10 lbs-occasionally 
• Pushing and pulling normal weight: 5-100lbs occasionally.
• Fine Manipulation: Writing and computer keyboard.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: 

• None

Environmental Factors and Special Hazards:

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours: 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Dry
• Atmosphere: Odors

Special Hazards: Radiation, Chemical 

• Chemical -drugs/work with patients receiving chemotherapy-Explosive-oxygen; Radiation-cesium implants and radioactive iodine therapy direct radiation for radiology equipment; mechanical- use of Hoover lift bed scales, motorized wheelchairs, bathtub lift chair.
• Protective Clothing Required: As required for chemotherapy or in cases of isolation, i.e. gloves, gowns, masks, goggles.