Certified by
The Joint Commission

Patient Sitters / Patient Companions

Patient Sitters / Patient Companions

A nurse is helping a patient in a hospital bed.

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals rely on Patient Sitters / Patient Companions to assist in providing continuous observation, activities of daily living (ADLs), and critical day-to-day care while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.

Training

All MHS Patient Sitters / Patient Companions complete a minimum of 40 hours of training, to include:

  • Observation (1 :1, 2:1 cohorting, distance safety, and purposeful rounding).
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
  • Crisis Prevention and Intervention Institute (CPI) certification.
  • Universal precautions including isolation, hand hygiene, and personal protective
    equipment (PPE)
  • HIPAA
  • Bloodborne pathogens
  • Patient Sitter / Patient Companion Training Class
  • Basic medical terminology
  • Customer service training
  • Can be cross-trained as Patient Transporter or Ambassador
  • Annual competency assessment/review
A group of nurses working in a classroom.

Essential Functions

A nurse giving a man a blood test in a hospital bed.
  • Documents patient activities every 15 minutes and provides a report to the nurse in
    charge at the end of each shift
  • Assists nurse with the accurate measurement and reporting of fluid intake and output
    (1/0)
  • Accompanies patient to procedures and tests
  • Serves as a unit runner or patient transporter
  • Maintains patient safety and comfort while ensuring a therapeutic environment
  • Assists with ADLs, including bathing, feeding, toileting, hygiene, and oral care
  • Assists the nurse with linen changes and repositioning of patients
  • Delivers and picks up materials, supplies, and specimens as directed
  • Responds courteously and promptly to patient call bells and, if necessary, notifies the
    appropriate care team member
  • Complies with all hospital rules, regulations, and standards