Mental Health Technician - General Adult Unit - Full Time Days

Responsibilities

• Welcomes patients and completes initial triage in collaboration with the admissions triage nurse coordinator and/or admissions specialist.
• Participates in the orientation of patients to the unit/area and develops rapport with patients, family members, and significant others.
• Prepares the patient for assessment/admission, physical examination, and procedures.
• Participates in patient search at admission, upon return from pass, or as clinically indicated, under the direction of a Registered Nurse consistent with network policy.
• Recognizes and responds to opportunities to enhance patient satisfaction.
• Observes and reports patients' conditions, behavior, reaction to treatment, and complaints to the nurse, psychiatrist, and/or other advanced practice professional.
• Draws intravenous or capillary blood as needed from newborn through geriatric-aged patients using proper aseptic collection techniques, assures appropriate labeling and processing of specimens to expedite throughput of patients.
• Performs venipuncture for laboratory tests as needed.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients on the unit.
• Performs EKG for patients as needed and directed.
• Applies bandages, slings, compression boots, and hypothermia blankets according to standard, as needed and directed by the RN.
• Assists with the setup of equipment and direct observation of the patient and equipment during the consultation via telehealth.
• Aids in the transport of patients to departments or units upon request.
• Provides 1:1 direct observation as needed to monitor safety.
• Assists in the seclusion, restraint, and monitoring of agitated patients under the direction of the RN.
• Documents data on seclusion, restraint, precaution, and 15-minute check sheets in line with the network restraint policy.
• Performs 15-minute safety checks and documents data.
• Assists with preparation as necessary ensuring the patient is assisted with meals/ or fed as needed.
• Checks inventory of assigned area and restocks as directed by RN.
• Ensures the room environment is prepared for admission, specifically for behavioral health patients.
• Provides direct hygiene and comfort care to patients, including bathing, toileting, oral hygiene, incontinent care, and bed making.
• Assists the patients with dressing/undressing as needed and placing patient belongings in the appropriate bag labeled with the completed property checklist and handled consistently with hospital policy.
• Assists with inspecting all clothing/property brought to patients during visiting hours.
• Ensures that prohibited material is not brought into the hospital by patients or visitors.
• Maintains accurate records and documentation, including call logs, emergency reports, and database updates, and provides timely responses to inquiries.
• Responsible for monitoring Zero Eyes hardware and calling emergency alerts as necessary.
• Responsible for managing fleet vehicle logs and completing sign-out of vehicles.
• Stays informed about hospital events, procedures, and on-call schedules.
• Greets visitors, registers their arrival, and provides visitor credentials.
• Provides directions to destinations and orientation to the overall facility and grounds layout.
• Notifies units of families or significant others who have arrived to pick up discharging patients.

Qualifications

• High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs.
• The ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing patient needs, a strong sense of accountability for improving the lives of our patients and their caregivers, an exceptional focus on teamwork, dedication to ongoing education, and the ability and passion to deliver the highest quality of care and service based on a strong sense of patient focus are all required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office platforms.
• Experienced or certified in phlebotomy and checking EKG, vital signs, and blood sugar.
• At least one (1) year of PCT, MHT, CNA, or other behavioral health experience in a hospital setting is strongly preferred.
• Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Medical Assistant, Mental Health Technician, or Patient Care Technician who has successfully completed a PCT program which includes Phlebotomy, EKG, and nursing assistant course both in the theoretical and clinical setting.
• AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification within 60 days of entering the position.