PRN - Psychiatric Technician

PRN - Psychiatric Technician

POSITION SUMMARY:  Under the supervision of the RN therapeutically interacts with patients who are mentally ill, and who may display emotional and/or behavioral problems. Participates in the basic care and treatment of patients. Provides security for the patients and contributes to the general therapeutic environment of the work unit.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interacts daily with patients observing and monitoring patient behavior and responses to treatment. Charts and reports information as appropriate to RN and/or other treatment team members.
• After being delegated, obtains patient’s vital signs per provider’s orders, charts the findings and reports to the RN any changes or abnormalities.
• Accompany the licensed medical provider (physician, nurse practitioner, psychiatrist) “Provider” and/or RN during physical exams with the patients.
• Responsible for completing the documentation packet on all new patient admissions and discharges.
• Attends change of shift report and participates in plan of care discussion for patients during that shift.
• Under direction of the RN administers non-medicinal treatments to patients such as foot soaks, cold packs, bag balm.
• Reports signs and symptoms of patient violence and/or aggression towards self or others to RN.
• Under the direction of the Provider and/or RN uses seclusion and/or restraints on those patients who are in eminent danger to self and/or others.
• When necessary follows one-to-one monitoring protocol for patients in seclusion and/or restraints to ensure their safety. Follows one to one monitoring protocol for patients who are on suicide or elopement precautions.
• Assists all patients in their activities of daily living such as showering, dressing, washing clothes, dental hygiene, foot care, making the bed, etc.
• Documents patient intake and output as directed by the RN and/or Provider using Input/output flow sheets and reports any abnormal changes to the RN.
• Documents patient’s weight either monthly and/or weekly as directed by the RN and/or Provider using the Monthly/Weekly Weight flow sheets and reports any abnormal changes to the RN.
• Under the direction of the RN completes non body cavity searches of patients for contraband and reports and documents the findings.
• Escorts patients during various off unit activities such as physician appointments, court hearings, community outings, site visits and community transition trips.

Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma or its equivalent.
• Certification in NAPPI training (Non-Abusive Psychological and Physical Intervention) within 6 months of hire.

Preferred:

• Experience working with mental health patients
• Basic Computer Skills
• 2 -3 years’ experience in behavioral health setting

Salary : $19