Patient Sitter (Patient Safety Attendant)

At Snoqualmie Valley Health,werenot just in the business of healthcare;werein the business of empowering our community to live boldly and live well.Our commitment to excellence and innovation calls for team memberswhowillbuild trust,obsess over excellence, lead innovation,anddeepen connectionswithin our community.We are guided by our core values, andwerelooking for someone who can embody those principles as part of our dynamic and growing team. Located in a trailblazing, adventure-loving town at the base of the Cascades, Snoqualmie Valley Health is an independent public hospital district serving a vibrant community that thrives on both adventure and connection. This is more than a jobitsan opportunity to be part of something bigger. Job Title:Patient Sitter (Patient Safety Attendant) Position Summary:The Patient Sitter (Patient Safety Attendant) provides continuous observation and support to patients who require close monitoring to ensure their safety and well-being. Working under the direction of the Registered Nurse, the Patient Sittermaintainsa safe environment, observes and reports changes in patient condition or behavior, and provides compassionate, non-clinical support while preserving the patients dignity and privacy. This role plays a vital part in preventing falls, reducing the risk of injury, and enhancing the overall patient experience. Essential Functions: Build Trust:Weexhibitintegrity,transparencyand compassion in every interaction. Provides continuous one-to-one observation of assigned patients to ensure a safe and secure environment. Never leaves the assigned patient unattended and ensures continuous observation during breaks, shift changes, and patient transport by coordinating coverage with another qualified staff member. Maintains constant awareness of environmental safety hazards and promptly reports concerns to the Registered Nurse (RN). Follows established hospital policies and procedures for patient safety precautions, including suicide,fall, elopement, restraint, and behavioral health precautions. Utilizes approved restraint alternatives, such as diversional activities, whenappropriate. Responds appropriately to emergency situations by following hospital emergency plans and code procedures. Maintains patient confidentialityin accordance withHIPAA and hospital policies. Treats patients, families, and colleagues with dignity, compassion, respect, and professionalism. Communicates patient concerns, behavioral changes, and safety risks promptly to the RN. If withinscopewithinhomedepartment,assistwithADLsatthe direction of the RN. Obsess Over Excellence:We havehigh standardsand seek continuous improvement. Provides continuous observation and support for behavioral health patients as directed by the Registered Nurse, including offering hydration, meals, toiletingassistance, comfort measures, and reporting patient needs, behaviors, or safety concernsimmediatelyto clinical staff. Assistspatients with mobility and ordered activity, including ambulation, transfers, positioning, and getting in and out of bed or chair. Completes required patient observation and safety documentation accurately andtimely, andfollows all direction from the Registered Nurseregardingpatient restrictions, precautions,monitoringrequirements, approved interventionssafety checks, personal care activities, and patient activity according to hospital policy. Accompanies assigned patients at all times, including during ambulation, toileting, showering, diagnostic testing, and transport to ancillary departments. Assistspatients with meal setup, positioning, feeding, menu selection, and hydration according tonursing direction. Participates in annual competencies, mandatory education, and ongoing training tomaintainclinical knowledge and patient safety standards. Practices infection prevention by following isolation precautions,utilizingappropriate personalprotective equipment (PPE), and properly disposing of contaminated materials. Lead Innovation:We lead with creativity, agility andthinkbold in our approach. Utilizes approved diversional activities and therapeutic communication techniques to reduce patient anxiety and promote safety. Adapts quickly to changing patient needs, unit priorities, and staffing assignments whilemaintaininghigh-quality patient observation. Supports continuous improvement initiatives that enhance patient safety, workflow efficiency, and quality outcomes. Utilizes electronic documentation systems accurately and efficiently. Deepen Connections:We build strong relationships with our patients, theirfamiliesand partners in the communities we serve. Creates a calm, reassuring, and supportive environment that promotes patient comfort and emotional well-being. Engages patients through conversation, orientation, andappropriate diversionalactivities whilemaintainingprofessional boundaries. Acts as a patient and family advocate by providing comfort,assistance, and support throughout the patients stay. Supports patient and family education by reinforcing information provided by the care team and referring all clinical questions to the RN. Communicates respectfully and effectively with patients, families, physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members. Providesaccuratehandoff communication to the RN and incoming Patient Sitter at shift change to ensure continuity of care. Collaborates with the healthcare team to communicate patient needs,observedchanges in condition or behavior, and outcomes that mayimpactthe plan of care. Qualifications: Required Education: Preferred Education:High school diplomaorGED,completion of a Nursing Assistant program or coursework in healthcare or behavioral health. Required Licensure: Preferred Licensure:Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)certification. Specialty Certification: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification Required Experience: Previousexperience in a healthcare, long-term care, behavioral health, or patient care setting preferred. Experience working with patients experiencing behavioral health conditions, dementia, or cognitive impairment is desirable. Skills: Excellent observation and situational awareness. Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to remain calm during stressful or emergency situations. Compassionate, patient-centered approach to care. Ability to recognize and promptly report changes in patient condition or behavior. Strong teamwork and collaboration skills. Basic computer and electronic medical record documentation skills. Ability tomaintainconfidentiality and exercise sound judgment. Work Environment: Hospital units with continuous exposure to patient care environments. Frequent interaction with patients experiencing acute medical, behavioral health, or cognitive conditions. Potential exposure to infectious diseases and bodily fluids;appropriate personalprotective equipment (PPE) isrequired. Flexibilityof workdays, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as needed. Physical Demands: Ability to remain standing or walking for extended periods. Frequent sitting whilemaintainingcontinuous patient observation. Ability toassistwith patient repositioning or mobility withinthe scopeof training and under clinical direction. Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, andlifting upto 35 pounds; occasional heavier lifting withassistance. Ability to respond quickly during emergencies andmaintainfocus in a fast-paced environment. Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to continuouslymonitorpatients and recognize changes requiring intervention. OTHER DUTIES:Please note this job description is not designed to cover orcontaina comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that arerequired ofthe employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.