What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Tech/Patient Care Tech position at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital?
Essential Duties & Responsibilities Patient Care & Assistance
- Assist patients with hygiene, dressing, and toileting to ensure maximum comfort.
- Change bed linens and maintain cleanliness in patient rooms.
- Assist patients with mobility, including turning and repositioning as directed by nurses.
- Take and record vital signs, food and fluid intake, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature in the EMR system.
- Collect specimens and perform Accu-Check glucose testing, reporting results promptly to nursing staff.
- Provide safe and effective transportation of patients within the facility.
- Maintain a clean and organized patient environment, ensuring access to essential items (call light, water, glasses, etc.).
- Monitor and assist in the dining area during mealtimes.
- Ensure proper patient identification and documentation before procedures or transfers.
- Follow all safety guidelines and infection control protocols, including PPE use and proper disposal of hazardous materials.
- Complete required training, education, and competency assessments by assigned deadlines.
- Attend staff meetings, maintain punctual attendance, and adhere to hospital policies.
- Report safety concerns, incidents, or patient care issues to appropriate personnel.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, OSHA, TJC, CMS, and other regulatory requirements.
- Provide excellent customer service and foster a culture of teamwork and respect.
- Required: Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
- Preferred: Previous experience in patient care, emergency, or psychiatric settings.
- Required: BLS (CPR) Certification.
- Preferred: Additional training in emergency or psychiatric care.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to follow medical procedures.
- Compassion, empathy, and patience in working with geriatric psychiatric patients.
- Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.
- Ability to stand/walk for extended periods (61-100% of shift).
- Frequent bending, squatting, reaching, lifting, and carrying (up to 50 lbs).
- Occasional pushing, pulling, and maneuvering equipment or patients (over 100 lbs).
- Use of hands for precise and gross motor functions.
- Primarily works indoors in a climate-controlled setting.
- Potential exposure to biological hazards, bloodborne pathogens, and disinfectants.
- Requires adherence to safety protocols and proper PPE use.
