Psychiatric Technician Geriatric Psych

Pediatric Psych at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), the academic flagship of the University of Maryland Medical System and a Magnet®-designated facility, offers opportunities across the continuum of care in a nationally recognized, academic medical center. Join UMMC to enhance patient care and advance the science of nursing in vibrant downtown Baltimore near the Inner Harbor and Camden Yards.

About the Role

Under direct supervision of licensed professional staff, the psychiatric technician performs delegated medical and mental health care practices for patients with diverse psychiatric, medical, and substance abuse disorders. As a multi-disciplinary team member of the nursing staff, you will help maintain a therapeutic and rehabilitative milieu environment.

Responsibilities

• Provides therapeutic psychiatric interventions as outlined by the treatment plan and participates in group activities that contribute to patients' emotional, intellectual, and developmental growth.
• Assists with milieu management and uses crisis de-escalation strategies to reduce destructive and disruptive patient behavior, ensuring safety for patients, self, and others.
• Recognizes early warning signs of worsening patient behaviors and intervenes appropriately.
• Conducts patient observation rounds with appropriate documentation, including one-to-one observation. Observes patient condition for signs/symptoms of illness or mental status change and reports to the nurse.
• Provides physical care to patients as delegated by the RN, including bathing, dressing, assisting with daily personal hygiene, feeding, and ambulation.
• Takes, records, and reports patient vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, respiration, pulse), obtains height and weight measurements, and collects specimens for laboratory examination, including blood draws.
• Assesses environmental needs of the unit and initiates appropriate action in coordination with professional staff; completes environmental/safety rounds at the start of each shift.
• Assists in admitting, transferring, and discharging patients by orienting them to the unit and transporting patients and belongings as needed.
• Documents patient data in support of treatment and documentation requirements; accompanies patients to diagnostic testing areas as directed.
• Participates in mandatory hospital/department in-service education, de-escalation training, and staff meetings.
• Maintains strict patient medical record confidentiality in accordance with hospital/unit policy and HIPAA regulations.
• Demonstrates support and compliance with UMMC’s mission, vision, values, philosophy, goals, and objectives.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
• GNA or CNA certification (required for employees hired after 7/1/2020).
• CPR certification.
• Experience working with direct patient care or in a psychiatric facility preferred.

Skills

• Demonstrates knowledge of universal blood and body fluids precautions and aseptic technique.
• Knowledge of basic patient care skills, such as bathing, taking and recording vital signs, feeding, and weighing patients.
• Sensitivity and awareness of the needs of patients, visitors, and co-workers; responds promptly to verbal and/or written instructions.
• Highly effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills to work with patients, visitors, and healthcare team members.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide age-appropriate care to patient populations served.
• Ensures patient safety and reports adverse events, near misses, and potential risks in processes or procedures.

Schedule

Part-time, day shift: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM, 2 days per week.