Hospital Sitter Services: What Does a Hospital Sitter Do?

An essential service in the health care industry that didn't commonly exist 20 years ago is the hospital sitter service. Hospital sitter services provide one-on-one care in healthcare facilities for patients who require supervision with companionship, acting as a compassionate substitute for restraints, seclusion rooms, and other methods of dealing with more challenging patients.

The main responsibilities of a hospital sitter are to ensure the safety and well-being of their patients, assist with daily activities, and provide companionship. The role of a patient sitter varies depending on the individual needs of each patient, as well as the policy of the healthcare facility that employs them.

Hospital sitters are generally not certified or registered nurses, but a recent study showed that 29.7% of patient sitters have a bachelor's degree in some health or medical field. Sitters are usually required to undergo job training to ensure they are prepared to handle their responsibilities.

There's no surprise that the US is currently experiencing a nursing shortage, which directly affects the quality of patient care. Hospital sitters provide an affordable solution for healthcare facilities that are facing difficulties hiring qualified nurses.

Patient sitters provide safety and security for patients who are at risk of falling, wandering, or practicing self-harm by being present to prevent accidents or incidents that could cause further medical complications. Additionally, they also provide compassionate emotional support and comfort to patients who may feel anxious, lonely, or confused. These caregivers greatly improve the patient experience by offering:

• Physical support
• Emotional support
• Support for families
• Support for nurses and other hospital staff

What Services Do Hospital Sitters Provide?

The scope of a hospital sitter's services varies depending on the healthcare facility that employs them. They include:

• Observing and monitoring the patient to ensure their safety
• Attending to patient needs
• Providing companionship and emotional support to patients
• Notifying medical professionals about patient development
• Documenting any changes in the patient's condition
• Intervening in emergencies
• Assisting with basic activities of daily living, such as eating and using the bathroom
• Assisting in administering medications
• Bathing, grooming, and dressing the patient
• Maintaining a clean environment for the patient

Hospital sitter services are generally recommended if the patient is at risk to himself or others in the hospital or if the patient requires a significant amount of attention and care for a medical condition.

What Skills Do Hospital Sitters Need To Be Successful?

The best patient sitters possess a balanced combination of personal and professional skills. High-quality hospital sitters have these skills:

• Actively listen to patients and understand their needs
• Effectively communicate with the patient and the hospital staff
• Physically assist patients with basic activities and respond in emergencies
• Offer emotional support
• Acute attention to detail to notice any changes in the patient's condition or behavior
• Be patient when helping patients who may be confused, anxious, or in pain
• Ability to resolve any conflicts
• Familiar with healthcare safety protocols

Where Can I Hire A Qualified Hospital Sitter?

Hospital sitters are growing in popularity across healthcare facilities. You can find qualified sitters here:

• Healthcare facilities
• Home healthcare agencies
• Staffing agencies
• Online directories

Before you employ a hospital sitter, you'll want to ensure that you've done your research and that the sitter has already been vetted. Doing so will give you the peace of mind that they have the necessary qualifications and experience to provide high-quality, safe, and effective care.

Why Should You Hire A Hospital Sitter?

Besides benefitting hospital staff and patients, hospital sitters are highly beneficial to the families of patients, too. Knowing that your loved one is being cared for by a trained and qualified professional can give you peace of mind. Moreover, it helps to free up your time, allowing you to go home to shower, eat, or take a break from watching a family member at the hospital. To learn more about hospital sitter services, contact Barr Private Care today.