Mental Health Worker / C.N.A. PT Nights L1

While working on the Geriatric Unit, provides role as patient advocate through role modeling of standards of performance and by communicating and meeting patient needs for service. Assists registered nurses in direct care of patients, specifically patients’ activities of daily living. Ensures a safe and therapeutic environment on the unit through observation, monitoring, interacting, and providing/assisting in groups.

Responsibilities

• Assist the registered nurse in the collection of patient data for nursing assessment and documentation of findings according to Butler Hospital Standards of Documentation.
• Gather patient data for different age groups:
  • Geriatric:
    • Biophysical: bowel and bladder habits, physical mobility, skin integrity, assistive devices
    • Nutritional: special diet, assist in feeding, food preparation
    • Psychosocial: mental status, advanced directives, losses
    • Cognitive: barriers to learning, family involvement needed due to mental status
  • Adult:
    • Biophysical: dentures, bowel and bladder, obesity
    • Nutritional: ability to prepare food, lifestyle issues
    • Psychosocial: vocational situation, substance use/abuse, developmental tasks achieved, work productivity, satisfactory relationships
    • Cognitive: mental status, barriers to learning
  • Adolescent:
    • Biophysical: menstrual period, birth control, hygiene issues
    • Nutritional: specific food choices, eating disorder issues
    • Psychosocial: sexual activity, substance use/abuse, peer groups
    • Cognitive: barriers to learning, developmental tasks achieved, self-confidence, ability to problem solve
  • Child:
    • Biophysical: bathing routine, bowel and bladder, continence
    • Nutritional: food preferences, mealtime routine, snacks
    • Psychosocial: safety needs, developmental tasks, achieved productivity
    • Cognitive: barriers to learning, ability to think logically, complete tasks, pay attention
• Observe and report patient data to the treatment team and/or Charge Nurse to assist in evaluating patient responses to treatment and determining alternatives for care.
• Supervise patients’ basic hygiene, nutritional, and elimination needs in accordance with nursing procedures.
• Provide for recreational needs of patients and take initiative to address these needs.
• Respond constructively and sensitively to patients, families, and visitors.
• Interact therapeutically and meet patient’s needs.
• Observe all relevant risk management and infection control policies and procedures, and participate in applicable performance improvement activities.
• Demonstrate effective skills in de-escalation of patients in crisis situations.
• Prioritize safety of self, other staff, and patients in the execution of patient care.
• Comply with Butler Hospital policies and procedures regarding restraint and seclusion.
• Organize and/or participate in patient restraints according to hospital policy.
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Record patient observations appropriately and follow observation procedures diligently.
• Monitor patients' behaviors and needs, and report activities to the nurse.
• Engage in therapeutic conversations.
• Attend community meetings and participate in other group meetings that meet patients' needs.
• Provide exercise opportunities for patients by conducting walks and other activities.
• Accurately and efficiently document appropriate clinical information in the electronic medical record.
• Perform personal care skills under the supervision of a professional nurse:
  • Assist with feeding and hydration (e.g., cuts food, assists with opening cartons).
  • Provide bed bath, tub bath, shower (Parker Bath).
  • Care for skin and back (e.g., monitor for skin breakdown, pressure areas).
  • Foot care, foot soak, applying foot lotion.
  • Nail care.
  • Oral hygiene (e.g., brushes teeth and gums, cleans dentures).
  • Shampoo hair (sink, tub, bed), comb/brush hair.
  • Shave.
• Perform basic nursing skills under the supervision of a professional nurse:
  • Sitz bath (Parker Bath) to intact skin for comfort measures and pain relief.
  • Application of topical Over the Counter (OTC) drugs to intact skin.
  • Apply lamb’s wool.
  • Apply elastic stockings (Teds).
  • Care for patients on precautions.
  • Make an unoccupied/occupied bed.
  • Measure intake and output (I & O) – record results.
  • Reinforce simple, nonsterile dressings.
  • Remind patient to take medication.
  • Provide comfort measures for patients when death is imminent (DNR).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• College credits in any of the social sciences required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Behavioral Health experience preferred.
• Active C.N.A license.

Schedule

20/40 Part Time Nights - Every Other Weekend

About Us

Care New England Health System (CNE) and its member institutions—Butler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group—is a trusted, integrated health care organization that fuels advances in medical research, attracts top specialty-trained doctors, offers renowned services and innovative programs, and engages in important discussions about health and end-of-life wishes. Care New England is helping to transform the future of health care, providing a leading voice in efforts to ensure the health of individuals and communities we serve.