Mental Health Tech II - Psych - The General- PRN

JOB PURPOSE OR MISSION:   Works collaboratively with and under the direct supervision of a registered nurse to participate in the delivery of patient care for the improvement of quality of life for patients and families.  Performs routine and assigned tasks in the treatment facility and provides assistance to the nurse with patient care activities within the scope of training and experience.  Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment and offers and assists in control of patients who exhibit unacceptable behavior. Job is performed appropriately for the age population served, as defined in the department’s scope of service.

1. Demonstrates teamwork that enhances the effective operation of the unit.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Performs routine and assigned tasks within the nursing units completely and within time frames, as directed by RN. Delivers care that meets or exceeds department standards when assisting nurses with patient care tasks and activities that are within the scope of training and experience. Assists with patient ADL’s as assigned/indicated.

2. Provides direct patient care and assists the nursing staff with patient duties.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Reports changes in the patient’s condition, in a timely and accurate manner, to the patient’s primary nurse. Assists with the collection and transport of specimens in accordance with the universal precaution policy. Performs waste removal from all areas of the patient care unit, including hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Ensures patient safety by adhering to BRGMC Safety Policy guidelines, 100% of the time. Assists in patient transport. Actively participates in maintaining the cleanliness of the patient care environment. Assists with the admission and discharge of patients to the unit. Performs effectively in emergency response situation in accordance with BRGMC Code Policy. Follows BRGMC/BHU policies and procedures related to the operation and maintenance of equipment. Demonstrates flexibility with staffing, scheduling, and assignment changes as needed.

3. Maintains safe and therapeutic environment/milieu through patient monitoring as designated by RN/Physician.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Continually monitors compliance with unit rules, conducts environmental safety checks/security rounds. Provides assistance with security and effectively applies supportive behavior when assisting in the control of patients who exhibit unacceptable behavior. Recognizes the impact of negative behavior group contagion and demonstrates the ability to employ de-escalation and therapeutic interventions as needed.

4. Enters documentation on patient records.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Documents patient’s departure from unit (i.e., for passes, transport to doctor’s appointments, community meetings) with 100% accuracy and within defined time lines. Documents significant occurrences, observed behavior, vital signs and close observation findings on assigned patients and as requested by the registered nurse, with 100% accuracy and within defined time lines.

 5.  Performs all other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Accompanies patients to designated hospital areas for tests/procedures as assigned.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

3 months in a healthcare setting desired, and 2 years working experience preferred.  Education in mental health related field may be substituted for experience.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

High school graduate or GED preferred. Certificate of attendance at an approved nursing assistant/psychiatric technician program or advanced preparation in nursing, sociology and/or psychology with a minimum of a B.S. preferred.

SPECIAL SKILL, LICENSE AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:

Certified Nursing Assistant Certification or Basic EMT Certification or Military Medic experience or Nursing Student with completion of fundamental nursing clinical in RN program desired.

HIPAA REQUIREMENTS:

Maintains knowledge of and adherence to all applicable HIPAA regulations appropriate to Job Position including but not limited to: paper and electronic medical records without limitation both paper and electronic, patients demographics, lab and radiology results, surgery/appointment schedules, medical records related to quality/data, patient financial information, patients related complaints, information related to patient location, and/or patients religious beliefs.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

Maintains knowledge of and adherence to all applicable safety practices appropriate to Job Position including but not limited to: incident reporting, handles sharps, wastes and linens, PPE, exposure control plan, environmental rounds to ensure safety, identification of patients, transporting of patients, transporting medications and blood, and monitoring clinical alarms.

PRN