A hospital sitter, also known as a patient sitter, is non-medical personnel who provides patients with supervision, companionship, and emotional support. They look after patients who require close supervision, such as those who are distressed, confused, or dying. Applicants who are empathetic, emotionally resilient, and competent are preferred. Interviewers look for empathetic, emotionally resilient, competent candidates with strong listening and communication skills when interviewing hospital sitter applicants. This article will benefit you if you want to start a career in this field and have an upcoming interview. We’ve compiled a list of the top 25 Hospital Sitter Interview Questions and Answers that you’ll find useful.
1. Why Did You Make This Career Choice?
My grandfather visited the hospital regularly when I was a child due to his cancer treatment. I recall his sitter, who was always there to provide emotional support to all of us while he was receiving excellent medical care from physicians and nurses. I joined because I respected his work and abilities. I’m interested in working at your hospital because it is well-known for providing excellent patient care. I’m eager to learn from your personnel and broaden my professional experience and capabilities in this industry.
2. Who Is A Hospital Sitter, And What Are Their Duties And Responsibilities?
A hospital sitter is a trained someone who acts as an in-room monitor for patients in a hospital or other health care institution. They are trained to observe and assist patients experiencing psychological distress or who may be a danger to themselves or others. Along with maintaining patient safety, a hospital sitter’s responsibilities and tasks may include offering conversation and companionship to your clients and reporting on the patient regularly to medical professionals. They are responsible for patients who require close monitoring, such as those who are distressed, confused, or dying.
3. A Hospital Sitter Must Possess What Qualities?
To be a successful hospital sitter, you must be an excellent communicator with an exceptional ability to listen to people who are frequently going through intensely emotional, frightening experiences. They are concerned about their patient’s well-being and the environment in which they work. Their superior observational abilities enable them to detect changes in their patient’s condition and immediately notify hospital staff. A suitable hospital sitter will be available to work shifts that benefit their patient the most. Additionally, they should be capable of managing patients with various medical complications. Finally, they are patient and willing to wait for their clients to complete lengthy hospital examinations.
4. What Major Challenges Did You Face In Your Previous Role?
As with any job, hospital sitters face challenges, but this does not mean we become discouraged. In my previous position, I encountered difficulties when dealing with elderly patients. Taking care of the elderly is not an easy task; it requires commitment. This is primarily due to their stubborn nature, as they have been extremely independent throughout their lives. They have a difficult time accepting that someone else can care for them. At first, it was extremely difficult, but I’ve grown accustomed to dealing with them with time. I always make an effort to be courteous and kind to them to get along with them.
5. How Would You Describe Your Typical Day As A Hospital Sitter?
As a hospital sitter, I am responsible for the well-being of my patients daily. I make certain that my patients have taken their medications and have seen the doctor if they have an appointment with the doctor. My responsibilities revolve around giving patients care and companionship on their medical journey. I am responsible for various tasks throughout the day, which entail overseeing patients, supporting them with basic personal cleanliness and care, and monitoring their vital signs.
6. What Role Does Body Language Play In The Delivery Of Healthcare?
Providing quality patient care is one of the most important abilities. The body language of a patient sitter should be positive and professional when dealing with all types of patients. The presence of intimidation can generate tension and worry in a sick patient, harming the patient’s health. If you are caring for a patient, you must make sure that you give them your complete attention and make eye contact with them.
7. What Is Your Professional Experience And Education In This Field?
After earning my high school diploma, I joined a patient sitter training program to obtain employment training and experience. After graduation, I enrolled in the Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCM) program. I’ve participated in numerous voluntary training and certification programs throughout the years, which has made me a viable candidate for a hospital sitter position. Additionally, I have participated in companion care programs sponsored by the Red Cross and local hospitals, beneficial. In these studies, I studied the fundamentals of companion care and basic medical terminology and got the abilities and qualifications necessary to accomplish my responsibilities in this job.
8. A Hospital Sitter May Be Required To Offer Social And Emotional Support To Patients Undergoing Stressful Medical Procedures Or Who Are Alone. How Would You Console A Patient Who Appeared To Be Distressed Or Despondent?
I learned how much loneliness can affect long-term patients in my previous employment in a nursing home, especially if they do not get frequent visitors or are unable to leave their room due to health concerns. I’ve found that taking time to converse at a meal or reading aloud a chapter of a book may significantly lift a patient’s mood, allowing them to focus on their physical condition.
9. What Strategies And Attitudes Are Required For This Position?
Hospital sitters are compassionate individuals who provide love and friendship to patients and their loved ones. They must have a good attitude to support patients and their families. A patient must be encouraged and inspired to maintain hope, particularly if they are elderly. The strategy required for this work is to prioritize patients and care for them with compassion. Hospital sitters must have a strong emotional foundation to remain focused on their tasks without being emotionally disturbed.
10. To Protect Both The Patient And Themselves, What Precautions Should Hospital Sitters Take?
The hospital sitter should maintain the patient’s physical safety and avoid the spread of disease-causing bacteria from patient to caregiver. Gloves, equipment including patient safety alarms and those required when lifting or transferring patients, devices that help during feeding times, and various needles and syringes are all patient care supplies. Wearing gloves when caring for patients prevents the spread of hazardous bacteria. They come powdered or powder-free and should be sanitized after each use if not disposable. Patient alarms are also required in frequented areas. An alarm should be placed alongside the patient’s bed, beside his chair, and in his bathroom. There should also be door and room alarms.
11. Describe A Time In Your Role When You Failed And The Lesson You Learned.
I was caring for a patient who had sustained a traumatic brain injury and was therefore unpredictable due to the nature of the injury. He had been extremely composed until he grew excessively enraged and attacked a nurse. I assumed that allowing others to interact with him was acceptable because he was quiet. I was able to detach him from the nurse and resuscitate him. I had to use my persuasion skills to argue with him and convince him that we were simply there to assist him. I learned to always confirm everything before making any assumptions about my patients.
12. What Foods Will You Include In Your Diet If You Are Caring For An Old Diabetes Patient?
Fresh roots and vegetables, lean cuts of meat, and the reduction or avoidance of alcohol use, particularly full-strength beer and spirits, should all be included in a diabetic patient’s diet. A diabetic patient may find this last point the most challenging since they believe that their doctor is out to undermine something they’ve worked hard for and looked forward to. Doctors’ requests to abstain from alcohol intake may leave patients feeling pressured. To be an effective patient sitter, one should encourage the patient to drink in moderation and moderation.
13. What Type Of Foundational Training Should Hospital Sitters Acquire?
First aid, CPR, and how to check the pulse, breathing, temperature, and blood pressure of a patient are all covered in the introductory course. As part of their training, sitters learn how to assist doctors and nurses during medical examinations. In addition, they are taught how to draw blood, stop an IV, connect a heart monitor, use an EKG machine, and assist with basic laboratory tests and procedures in a clinical setting.
14. What Are Your Thoughts About Patient Education?
Educating the patient and their families about the sickness or disease they are suffering from can be beneficial. This enables individuals to better cope with the changes due to an illness or accident. It also assists them in better comprehending the recommended home self-care practices.
15. How Can You Ensure That You Are Aware Of Changes In The State Of A Patient? Even If They Are Insignificant.
I believe that it all comes down to knowledge and attention to detail. If I have the necessary medical expertise and patient history, I can accurately predict what may occur. For instance, I once treated a patient who had a history of fainting during blood draws. While the initial drawing went okay, I noticed he was beginning to appear pale. Rather than wait, I quickly laid him down and procured some apple juice for him. He stated that he came dangerously close to passing out, and I was relieved that my judgment had been correct.
16. What Makes You The Right Candidate For This Position?
My abilities and credentials are an ideal match for your requirements. I am intimately familiar with the task and can provide efficient one-on-one companionship and care to clients. Additionally, I have expertise working with people who have dementia, which is a plus. Additionally, I possess excellent communication abilities, idealizing this position. I am capable of caring for patients of all ages. Additionally, I am a skilled storyteller, enabling me to entertain my patients. Additionally, I am a compassionate and caring individual.
17. Share A Story Of A Moment When You Had To Deal With A Difficult Client.
I’ve had a lot of experience working with clients who were difficult to deal with. I recently provided company to a dementia patient who was experiencing frequent hallucinations. Some of the hallucinations were so severe that he would retreat to a corner to protect himself from something I couldn’t see. We were in tears as we saw him become increasingly terrified, and it was nearly hard to assuage his concerns.
18. In Your Current Role, How Much Patient Interaction Do You Have?
One of my primary responsibilities is to keep the patient’s room sterilized and clean, especially in light of the epidemic. As part of my position, I also monitor their fundamental health parameters, such as blood sugar and blood pressure, to minimize physical contact. Additionally, I assist the patient and their caregivers with emotional support.
19. What Is Your Most Cherished Professional Accomplishment?
I provided five years of companionship to a 97-year-old man (since he was 92). He was abandoned by his children, who paid for his care but never paid him a visit or a phone call. A few days before he died, he told me that he was glad to have known me. He also remarked how many times he wished I was his child in the last few years. His love and confidence in me made me realize that I had accomplished something exceptional for him, even though all I was doing was fulfilling my responsibilities.
20. In General, How Do You Engage With Patients?
I constantly make an effort to be a helpful and supporting voice and be a good caregiver. At my former job, I was in charge of sanitizing patient rooms and monitoring patients every few hours. I would take their vital signs regularly, monitor any changes in their condition, and offer them emotional support.
21. The Most Common Illnesses You’ve Dealt With Over The Past Year, How Did You Assist Them?
As you are aware, the pandemic has hurt everyone over the past two years. Many Covid patients suffer from mental health issues due to their complete isolation. Patients’ anxiety and panic attacks were triggered by the fear of losing their lives and the possibility of testing positive. Because we were all unprepared for this illness, there has been an increase in training and workshops relating to mental health for both staff and patients.
22. What Is A Prescribing Management System (Pms)?
Any system used in a pharmacy to assist in automating the pharmacy workflow is considered prescription management software. This includes analyzing physician prescriptions and preparing drugs, maintaining inventory and placing drug orders, dealing with billing and insurance, counseling patients, and discovering incompatibilities. E-prescribing software provides clinicians with complete mobile capabilities. Doctors with access to a wireless network can write or authorize patient prescriptions anywhere. When physicians are on the move, they do not have to slow down their practices.
23. How Do You Maintain Your Motivation In This Position?
Whenever I lose inspiration, I remind myself of why I chose to be a hospital sitter in the first place. Working in this industry may be challenging, and returning to the reasons I chose to begin this job has been the most effective way for me to stay motivated. Whenever I’m feeling pressured or overwhelmed, I compile a list of why I love my job. My motivation in this position is to deliver the best possible healthcare to all patients that visit the hospital. I’m always proud when a patient improves physically and emotionally while in my care. Their validation brightens my day.
24. When It Comes To Patient Care, How Important Do You Think Specialization Is?
Popular departments for technicians include surgery, radiology, cardiology, and nephrology. These disciplines manage high-risk patients or those with chronic conditions requiring long-term monitoring and treatment. While these professionals are responsible for tasks specific to their field, they must also understand the fundamentals of patient care. Beyond basic patient care, specialists often give diagnostic exams, evaluate exam quality, prepare patients for procedures, and assist with invasive and noninvasive interventions. Some of these tasks may necessitate specific training.
25. What Is Your Experience Working With The Elderly?
I have worked as a hospital sitter for older adults for the past three years. It was an eye-opening experience that made me realize that the elderly requires greater compassion and understanding than the general population. They are desolate and, in most cases, quite morbid. I am now familiar with their limitations and requirements, and I can work around them to ensure that they are as comfortable as possible. The majority of the time, I look forward to working with them because they always have a lot of good advice and stories to tell about their younger days.
Conclusion
Never be afraid to talk about similar experiences when answering interview questions, even if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. Ensure that you arrive on time and dress appropriately for the interview to ensure that your first impression is positive! As a Hospital Sitter, these 25 questions will help you get through the first round of interviews with flying colors. Best of luck!
