What does a Patient Sitter do?
Published 4 min read
A patient sitter is a type of health care worker who provides one-on-one assistance to patients who are unable to care for themselves. Patient sitters typically work in hospitals or other health care facilities, and their duties may include providing companionship, helping with meals and personal hygiene, and monitoring patients' vital signs.
Patient Sitter job duties include:
- To provide companionship for the patient
- To converse with the patient and engage them in activities
- To make sure the patient takes their medication
- To help the patient eat and drink
- To assist the patient with toileting and bathing
- To help the patient walk and exercise
- To keep the patient's room clean and tidy
- To do laundry for the patient
- To run errands for the patient
Patient Sitter Job Requirements
There are no formal education requirements for patient sitters, but many employers prefer candidates who have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some patient sitters may choose to pursue certification through organizations such as the National Healthcareer Association or the American Medical Technologists. Many patient sitters have prior experience working in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or home health agencies.
Patient Sitter Skills
- Patience
- Empathy
- Listening
- Communication
- Observation
- Flexibility
- Multi-tasking
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Organization
- Time management
Related: Top Patient Sitter Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Patient Sitter
A patient sitter is a person who provides companionship and basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities. If you have a caring nature and enjoy helping others, becoming a patient sitter may be a rewarding career for you. Here are a few tips on how to become a patient sitter:
1. Complete a high school education or equivalent. Although patient sitters are not required to have any formal education beyond high school, completing high school or obtaining a GED will give you a basic foundation of knowledge and skills that will be helpful in your career.
2. Consider taking some courses related to health care. Although not required, taking some courses related to health care can help you better understand the needs of patients and how to best provide them with companionship and care. These courses can be found at many community colleges and online.
3. Gain experience working with patients. One of the best ways to learn about being a patient sitter is to gain some experience working directly with patients in a hospital or other health care setting. You can volunteer your time at a local hospital or nursing home, or you may be able to find paid positions through temp agencies that place workers in health care facilities.
4. Get certified as a patient sitter. Although certification is not required, it can give you an edge when applying for jobs and show potential employers that you are serious about your career as a patient sitter. The National Healthcareer Association offers certification for patient sitters through their Certified Patient Sitter (CPS) program.
5. Find a job as a patient sitter. Once you have completed your education and training, you can start searching for jobs as a patient sitter in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities. You can also look for positions with companies that provide in-home health care services.
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