NR 630 PROJECT MANAGEMENT PAPER – THE RISE OF PATIENT SITTERS

NR 630 PROJECT MANAGEMENT PAPER – THE RISE OF PATIENT SITTERS Chamberlain College of Nursing NR630 Executive Practicum THE RISE OF PATIENT SITTERS: THE FINANCIAL BURDEN ON ORGANIZATIONS DeShauna L. Clayton The Rise of Patient Sitters: The Financial Burden on Organizations This Nurse Executive Practicum Management Project, will be looking at the rise in the need for patient sitters at Houston Methodist Willowbrook hospital and the financial burden on the hospital. This project will aim to address some of the following points. How well are patient’s sitters being utilized at Houston Methodist Willowbrook hospital? What is the financial impact on the facility with patient sitters working an average of 4574 hours per year? The reason why 34 full time employee (FTEs) patient sitters were utilized in 2017 that weren’t forecasted in the budget. Is it the norm for patient sitters to work 4574 hours annually? What are policies and procedures required for patient sitters? Lastly, what are the patient requirements for the need of a sitter? In addressing each of the points, the matter can be assessed in a complete manner and future decisions on the subject can be taken objectively. Patient sitters, are a requirement within the structures of Houston Methodist Willowbrook hospital, currently patient sitters are working over 4000 hours annually, with high budgetary expenses, can other non-expensive options be explored? Patient sitters increase hospital costs and reduce available resources for the healthcare team. When a patient is deemed a sitter case, employees are pulled from there assigned floor and re-assigned to the patient sitter to cover the shift. Employing patient sitters are one aggressive approach, however; it assures patient safety. How does employing patient sitters affect the patients, the hospital and the budget are what needs to be assessed during this Nurse Executive Management Project. Discussion: Utilization of Patient Sitters Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a regional hospital with 312 beds and is registered as a complete service acute care hospital caring for people in the region of Northwest Houston and the surrounding areas. The hospital offers a full spectrum of medical