Patient Sitter

About the job

Job Summary

A Patient Sitter provides direct patient observation and input in planning care through communication with the RN and other patient care team members. Is effectively involved with maintaining the standard of care for assigned patients through communication with the care team. Maintains competency and possesses the skills to provide a safe environment to those medical patients requiring close supervision because of behavioral health issues. Completes duties as assigned and performs duties under the direct supervision of the RN.

Reports to: Director of Emergency Department

FLSA: Non-exempt

Job Requirements

Minimum Education

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience:

□ Preferred X Required

Required Skills

Certifications:

The below certifications will be required at the time of hire:

X Basic Life Support (BLS)

Clear communication, listing and observation skills.

Ability to respond swiftly - physically able to sit, stand, bend, brace and lift at a moment's notice.

Calm confident manner and able to remain calm during moment of escalation or high stress.

Maintain composure with distressed or combative patient(s).

Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.

Essential Functions

Sitters observe the patient and maintain a safe environment; they must always have continuous and unobstructed view of the patient.

The sitter may not adjust or remove restraints. If the patient complains of discomfort, the sitter is to notify the nurse immediately.

The sitter will accompany the patient for any test or procedures off the unit. The sitter will accompany surgical patients to the Holding Area. The sitter will remain within arm’s length of the patient until relieved by the RN.

Sitters will attempt to prevent the patient from pulling out lines/tubes.

Sitters will attempt to prevent the patient from getting out of bed if there is an activity level of bed rest ordered.

Sitter may assist patient to the bathroom if activity level permits and RN approves. Bathroom door will remain open and sitter will have direct view of patient at all times.

At the discretion of the nurse, the sitter may assist with ambulation and feeding.

The sitter should assist the patient with obtaining fluids, consuming meals, wiping their face, etc.

Sitters may read to the patient, play a board game or cards, turn on the television and engage on general conversation.

Patient requests for assistance are referred to the nursing staff via call bell system.

Always protect the patient’s dignity and privacy by keeping the patient covered, the patient room door closed, etc.

The sitter may not make or receive personal phone calls while on duty or use a personal cell phone. In the case of an emergency, the sitter must notify the nurse that he/she needs to be relieved to make a phone call. The sitter may not leave until he/she has been relieved.

The sitter may have reading material while on duty, but may only read when the patient is asleep.

The sitter will be relieved for breaks and meals but may not leave the patient until physically relieved by another staff member.

Functional Demands

Populations Served

□ Does not treat or care for patients.

□ Neonate (□ Infant (□ Early Childhood (1 year and □ Late Childhood (5 years and □ Adolescent (13 and X Young Adult (17 to X Middle Adult (30 years to X Older Adult (>60 years)

Protected Health Information

Type of Protected Information Accessed:

X Demographic

X Clinical

□ Insurance

□ Financial

□ Complete Medical Record

Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure

While performing this job, occupational exposure is present for all employees

Physical Requirements - Physical Dexterity and Effort: Rarely Bending/Stooping □ rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, X constantly

Climbing □ rarely, X occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Keyboard Data Entry □ rarely, X occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Kneeling □ rarely, X occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Lifting/Moving Patients □ rarely, □ occasionally, X frequently, □ constantly

Reaching □ rarely, □ occasionally, X frequently, □ constantly

Repetitive Foot/Leg Movements □ rarely, □ occasionally, X frequently, □ constantly

Repetitive Hand/Arm Movements □ rarely, □ occasionally, X frequently, □ constantly

Running X rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Sitting □ rarely, □ occasionally, X frequently, □ constantly

Squatting □ rarely, X occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Standing □ rarely, X occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Walking □ rarely, X occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Pushing / Pulling: 0-25 lbs. □ rarely, □ occasionally, X frequently, □ constantly

Pushing / Pulling: 26-75 lbs. □ rarely, □ occasionally, X frequently, □ constantly

Pushing/Pulling: over 75 lbs. □ rarely, □ occasionally, X frequently, □ constantly

Lifting/Carrying (non-patient) : 0-25 lbs. □ rarely, X occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Lifting/Carrying (non-patient) : 26-75 lbs. □ rarely, X occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Lifting/Carrying (non-patient) : over 75 lbs. □ rarely, X occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Visual Acuity, Hearing and Speaking: Rarely Audible Speech □ rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, X constantly

Hearing Acuity □ rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, X constantly

Smelling Acuity X rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Taste Discrimination X rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Vision: Depth Perception □ rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, X constantly

Vision: Distinguish Color X rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Vision: Seeing Far □ rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, X constantly

Vision: Seeing Near □ rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, X constantly

Biological: Rarely Biohazardous waste/ hazards X rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Blood and/or bodily fluids □ rarely, X occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Communicable diseases/pathogens □ rarely, X occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Chemical: Rarely Asbestos or lead X rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Cytotoxic Chemicals X rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Dust X rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Hazardous Chemicals X rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Gases/Vapors/Fumes X rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Hazardous Medication X rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, □ constantly

Latex □ rarely, □ occasionally, □ frequently, X constantly

Organizational Expectations

Adheres to the following SRMC Policies / Philosophies:

1.) Attendance

2.) Safety

3.) Customer and Needs

4.) Continuous Improvement

5.) Process Focus

6.) Communication

7.) HIPPA / Patient Privacy

8.) Teamwork

9.) Dress Code / Hygiene

10.) Has completed all annual training in LifeTalent Center / Healthstream

About Us

Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.We employ and provide care to people from all walks of life. We are committed to promoting healing, providing hope, preserving dignity and producing value with an inclusive workforce in which diversity is leveraged, respected, and reflective of the patients, family members, customers and team members we serve.

Additional Information

• Job Identification: 360601
• Job Category: Nursing
• Posting Date: 2026-10-22
• Job Schedule: Part time
• Locations: 288 S Ridgecrest Ave, Rutherfordton, NC, 28139, US
• FTE: 0.001 - PRN/OnCall (PRN)
• Career Site Category: Nursing - Support
• Position Type: Primary
• Facility Name: Rutherford Regional Health System
• Is this position grant-funded?: No