About this role
Position Summary:
Provides direct and indirect patient care under the direction of a RN or LPN/LVN. Provides for the personal care and comfort of psychiatric patients. Provides a safe, clean environment. Participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
Position Responsibilities:
Clinical / Technical Skills (40% of performance review)
- Performs and records patient vital signs, intake and output; notifies RN of any changes.
- Continuously observes patients' behavior, mental status and activities, notifies RN of any changes or unusual occurrences.
- Demonstrates the ability to identify behaviors that require intervention.
- Escorts patients when leaving the unit for activities, meals, visitation, and scheduled tests.
- Able to perform patient safety checks at scheduled times, documents appropriately.
- Able to assist with restraint (physical hold) of a patient, placing a patient in seclusion under the direction of the RN and utilizing CPI techniques and adherence to policy and procedure.
- Demonstrates the ability to set limits for patients and other de-escalation techniques.
- Documentation meets current standards and policies.
- Answers the telephone in a professional manner, directs calls appropriately, takes messages.
- Operates equipment safely and correctly
- Orients patients to the unit, takes admission vital signs and records on the Nursing Assessment Form and/or the EHR.
- Participates in treatment team meetings. Communicates appropriately and clearly to the Nurse Manager, RNs therapists and physicians.
- Perform 15-minute observation rounds and documents appropriately.
- Assists in the orientation of new staff members.
- Assists with therapeutic educational groups under the direction of the RN or Director of Clinical Services.
- Responsible for one-on-one observation and constant visual observation for high-risk patients.
- Responsible for assisting patients needing additional care related to medical needs.
- Monitors patient's compliance with pre- and post- procedure instructions, including ECT instructions, under the supervision of the RN.
- Provides general nursing care, i.e., transferring patients, assisting with ADLs, meals.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Safety (15% of performance review)
- Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members
- Follows all safety rules while on the job.
- Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly.
- Corrects minor safety hazards.
- Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
- Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.
- Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.
- Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
Teamwork (15% of performance review)
- Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
- Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.
- Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
- The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as required
- Demonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.
- Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.
- Adheres to the Standards of Behavior
Integrity (15% of performance review)
- Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospital
- Adheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.
- Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.
- Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.
- Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadership
- Exemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.
- Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.
- Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.
Compassion (15% of performance review)
- Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.
- Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping hand
- Desire to go above and beyond for others
- Understanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differences
Qualifications
Education
- Required: High school diploma or GED. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification.
- Preferred: Some college classes. Certified Nursing Assistant certification
- Maintains education and development appropriate for position.
- May substitute experience for education
Experience
- Required: Previous experience in a healthcare setting
- Preferred: One (1) year of experience as a behavioral health technician
- May substitute education for experience