5 answers
Angel
Student
McKinney, Texas
1
Question
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What do you all need to be a patient sitter?
I just need to know
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5 answers
Ahmad Moumne
Surgical Tech
4
Answers
Torrance, California
Updated
Ahmad’s Answer
Patient sitters work mostly in hospitals and nursing homes. People in this role must communicate regularly with doctors, nurses, and other personnel to ensure the patient has adequate care and the patient sitter is following regulations. Since patients have varying levels of ability to care for themselves, the patient sitter role can require extensive hands-on activity. You will likely alternate between long periods of standing and sitting, depending on the task you're helping with.
To become a patient sitter, you need a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). Though some jobs require completion of a patient sitter training program, many patient sitter jobs only expect some relevant work experience and on-the-job training. CPR (BLS) and Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCM) certifications are sometimes required. There are many voluntary training and certification programs that can make you a more desirable candidate for a patient sitter position. Companion care programs, such as those offered by the Red Cross and local hospitals can be helpful. In these programs, you study the basics of companion care, and basic medical terminology, and gain the skills and qualifications you need to fulfill your responsibilities in this career.
To become a patient sitter, you need a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). Though some jobs require completion of a patient sitter training program, many patient sitter jobs only expect some relevant work experience and on-the-job training. CPR (BLS) and Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCM) certifications are sometimes required. There are many voluntary training and certification programs that can make you a more desirable candidate for a patient sitter position. Companion care programs, such as those offered by the Red Cross and local hospitals can be helpful. In these programs, you study the basics of companion care, and basic medical terminology, and gain the skills and qualifications you need to fulfill your responsibilities in this career.
Char R.
Registered Nurse
67
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Char’s Answer
Hi Angel,
In the hospital, you may need to be a CNA first. Depending on the department you are sitting in, you may need to have some basic education, for example, CPR training or a course on how to manage combative patients.
In the hospital, you may need to be a CNA first. Depending on the department you are sitting in, you may need to have some basic education, for example, CPR training or a course on how to manage combative patients.
Colleen Russell
Nurse
20
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Colleen’s Answer
Most in-patient facilities will require previous experience as a patient care technician. At my hospital, most of the sitters are already employed as patient care technicians. However, when we can't cover with our own staff, we use an outside agency. I don't believe the agencies require a background in healthcare. Homecare agencies usually provide the training required to safely work as a patient sitter.
Please keep in mind that patient sitting isn't always as easy as it sounds. Patients have sitters for a reason. They can be combative and/or require intervention. You need to be prepared for anything, at all times. It is more than just sitting there. You are part of the healthcare team responsible for the health and safety of the patient.
Please keep in mind that patient sitting isn't always as easy as it sounds. Patients have sitters for a reason. They can be combative and/or require intervention. You need to be prepared for anything, at all times. It is more than just sitting there. You are part of the healthcare team responsible for the health and safety of the patient.
Sue Iffrig
Clinic setting
20
Answers
Saint Peters, Missouri
Updated
Sue’s Answer
I’m likely not the best to answer this but spent time with sitters as I am a nurse. The term is mostly like that; you watch a patient and communicate to those who ultimately care for the patient. They need yours eyes on a typically vulnerable person. It’s usually an 8 hour job and only requires an high school degree.
Take care.
Take care.
Mikenya Green
nurse
1
Answer
Clearwater, Florida
Updated
Mikenya’s Answer
Depending on what company, you likely need to be a CNA but i know some Homecare Agencies hire caregivers as sitters or ( companions ) . where the patient/client is pretty much independent just needs someone there for extra safety and light chores around the house such as laundry , and meal prep . and you don’t have to be certified just need to be able to pass a level 2 background check