What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patient Safety Attendant - Behavioral Health position at Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System?
The Behavioral Health Safety Attendant is responsible for providing continuous
observation and support to patients receiving care in a behavioral health setting,
Emergency department, and inpatient nursing units. This role requires vigilant monitoring
of patient behaviors, timely intervention in crisis situations, and collaboration with the
clinical team to maintain a safe treatment environment. The Behavioral Health Safety
Attendant plays a critical role in promoting patient well-being and preventing harm to self
or others.
observation and support to patients receiving care in a behavioral health setting,
Emergency department, and inpatient nursing units. This role requires vigilant monitoring
of patient behaviors, timely intervention in crisis situations, and collaboration with the
clinical team to maintain a safe treatment environment. The Behavioral Health Safety
Attendant plays a critical role in promoting patient well-being and preventing harm to self
or others.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Patient Observation and Monitoring:
o Maintain continuous visual observation of assigned patients, adhering to
established protocols and safety guidelines.
o Monitor patient behaviors, mood changes, and interactions with staff and
other patients, documenting observations accurately and promptly reporting
any concerns to the clinical team.
o Ensure patient compliance with treatment plans, including medication
administration, therapeutic activities, and personal care routines.
1. Patient Observation and Monitoring:
o Maintain continuous visual observation of assigned patients, adhering to
established protocols and safety guidelines.
o Monitor patient behaviors, mood changes, and interactions with staff and
other patients, documenting observations accurately and promptly reporting
any concerns to the clinical team.
o Ensure patient compliance with treatment plans, including medication
administration, therapeutic activities, and personal care routines.
2. Crisis Intervention and De-Escalation:
o Recognize signs of agitation, aggression, or distress in patients, implementing
appropriate de-escalation techniques and interventions to prevent escalation
of behavior.
o Collaborate with the clinical team to develop and implement crisis
management plans, following established protocols for managing behavioral
emergencies and ensuring the safety of patients and staff.
o Recognize signs of agitation, aggression, or distress in patients, implementing
appropriate de-escalation techniques and interventions to prevent escalation
of behavior.
o Collaborate with the clinical team to develop and implement crisis
management plans, following established protocols for managing behavioral
emergencies and ensuring the safety of patients and staff.
Updated June 2016
o Provide support and reassurance to patients during times of distress, utilizing
therapeutic communication skills to promote a calm and supportive
environment.
therapeutic communication skills to promote a calm and supportive
environment.
3. Safety and Risk Management:
o Monitor the physical environment to identify and address potential safety
hazards, such as unsafe objects or environmental risks, taking appropriate
action to mitigate risks and prevent accidents or injuries.
o Assist with the implementation of safety protocols and procedures, including
restraint and seclusion protocols, as directed by the clinical and security team
in accordance with regulatory requirements.
o Participate in regular safety training sessions, Trauma informed training,
mental health first aide and drills to enhance preparedness for emergency
situations and promote a culture of safety within the facility.
o Monitor the physical environment to identify and address potential safety
hazards, such as unsafe objects or environmental risks, taking appropriate
action to mitigate risks and prevent accidents or injuries.
o Assist with the implementation of safety protocols and procedures, including
restraint and seclusion protocols, as directed by the clinical and security team
in accordance with regulatory requirements.
o Participate in regular safety training sessions, Trauma informed training,
mental health first aide and drills to enhance preparedness for emergency
situations and promote a culture of safety within the facility.
4. Documentation and Communication:
o Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient observations,
interventions, and incidents, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
and confidentiality requirements.
o Communicate effectively with members of the clinical team, providing
relevant information and updates on patient status, behaviors, and responses
to interventions.
o Collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to ensure continuity of
care and promote a multidisciplinary approach to patient treatment and
support.
o Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient observations,
interventions, and incidents, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
and confidentiality requirements.
o Communicate effectively with members of the clinical team, providing
relevant information and updates on patient status, behaviors, and responses
to interventions.
o Collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to ensure continuity of
care and promote a multidisciplinary approach to patient treatment and
support.
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Previous experience working in a behavioral health or psychiatric setting preferred.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact
effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations, with a compassionate
and empathetic approach to patient care.
Basic knowledge of mental health disorders, crisis intervention techniques, and
safety protocols.
Certification in CPR and basic life support (BLS) may be required.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Previous experience working in a behavioral health or psychiatric setting preferred.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact
effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations, with a compassionate
and empathetic approach to patient care.
Basic knowledge of mental health disorders, crisis intervention techniques, and
safety protocols.
Certification in CPR and basic life support (BLS) may be required.
Updated June 2016
REQUIRED BEHAVIORAL SKILLS:
INTEGRITY:
o A personal presence which is characterized by a sense of honesty and the willingness to do the
right thing.
o The ability to role model, inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision,
goals and values of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.
REQUIRED BEHAVIORAL SKILLS:
INTEGRITY:
o A personal presence which is characterized by a sense of honesty and the willingness to do the
right thing.
o The ability to role model, inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision,
goals and values of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.
COMPASSION:
o A personal presence which is characterized by a sense of caring that is reflected in a high level
of empathy and customer service with all that we come in contact.
o Ability to manage conflict, consider other points of view, and offer alternative solutions without
jeopardizing overall project direction and the ability to manage customer expectations.
o A personal presence which is characterized by a sense of caring that is reflected in a high level
of empathy and customer service with all that we come in contact.
o Ability to manage conflict, consider other points of view, and offer alternative solutions without
jeopardizing overall project direction and the ability to manage customer expectations.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
o Demonstrated track record of ownership of situations, projects and issues.
o Able to work autonomously and have a high degree of flexibility to adapt to changing projects,
priorities and work volumes.
o Demonstrated track record of ownership of situations, projects and issues.
o Able to work autonomously and have a high degree of flexibility to adapt to changing projects,
priorities and work volumes.
RESPECT:
o Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a diverse population.
o Treat all internal and external customers with a positive, proactive service orientation.
EXCELLENCE:
o Strong communication and presentation skills with a proven ability to influence and lead teams
to conclusion/decision making.
o Proven ability to think strategically but also must be able to lead day-to-day tactical processes.
o Demonstrated ability to manage and provide coaching and leadership on complex projects.
o Must be able to lead and/or facilitate process improvement.
o Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a diverse population.
o Treat all internal and external customers with a positive, proactive service orientation.
EXCELLENCE:
o Strong communication and presentation skills with a proven ability to influence and lead teams
to conclusion/decision making.
o Proven ability to think strategically but also must be able to lead day-to-day tactical processes.
o Demonstrated ability to manage and provide coaching and leadership on complex projects.
o Must be able to lead and/or facilitate process improvement.
We offer competitive pay, a generous benefit package and a reason to be proud of what you do, every day.
