Virtual Healthcare: How To Become A Telesitter
As healthcare evolves, more solutions are developing to improve patient care. Some patients need monitoring and are typically assigned a caregiver to supervise them. For several reasons, virtual sitters have become a more practical solution to ensure the well-being of those who need medical attention. If you’re interested in the role, here’s how to become a telesitter.
How Do Telesitters Work?
Due to an influx of patients and a shortage of staff, sometimes being able to adequately provide medical care is a challenge. Some patients are a fall risk, can experience confusion and agitation, or are at-risk for self-harm, according to Harvard.
Virtual monitoring systems are mobile cameras placed in patients’ rooms, giving telesitters remote around-the-clock access and the ability to communicate. If a patient needs assistance, the hospital staff are able to be quickly notified.
“This program is unique because the technology goes to where the patient is,” Lorrie Henecke told UCHealth North Colorado, clinical nurse specialist for Medical Services in UCHealth Northern Colorado. “Having telesitters will not only improve patient safety and reduce falls, but also be a huge cost savings to the system.”
“With this process, our video monitor technicians can watch up to 12 people at once, so that’s an elimination of the 11 one-to-one safety partners (patient sitters) we are currently using,” Henecke continued.
Telesitter Jobs
If you’re looking for a telesitter job, new positions are regularly being posted on various job sites and directly on the medical center sites. Some positions only require a high school diploma or GED, but some states require a certification.
In Green Township, Ohio, Mercy Health is hiring a part-time Telesitter Observer with the following job description: “The TeleSitter Observer provides continuous observation and surveillance of assigned patients. First line of action is to verbally redirect the patient from engaging in at-risk behaviors; summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance; knowledgeable and supportive of patient and institutional confidentiality and related hospital policies.”
Episcopal Health Services Inc. is hiring a telesitter in Far Rockaway, New York, with a pay range of $23.88-$25.17 per hour. The job summary shared is, “Performs a variety of technical, para-professional, rehabilitative or therapeutic procedures and activities relating to patient care in accordance with established policies and procedures. Works under the supervision of the RN.”
Cleveland Clinic has posted a full-time position in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. The job description posted stated, “As a Telesitter Technician, you will provide continuous observation and surveillance of assigned patients through the use of the telemonitoring system. Your first line of action is to verbally redirect the patient from engaging in at-risk behaviors and summoning the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance.”
If this type of work appeals to you, applying for jobs and getting certified, if needed, is how to become a telesitter. Since various experiences may be required depending on the institution, make sure to look at the job description to verify that you meet the qualifications.
