Psychiatric Technician Pediatrics Night Shift

General Summary

Under direct supervision of a licensed professional staff, performs delegated medical and mental health care practices to patients with diverse psychiatric/medical and substance abuse disorders. Participates as a multi-disciplinary team member of the nursing staff to maintain a therapeutic and rehabilitative milieu environment.

Principal Responsibilities And Tasks

• Provides therapeutic psychiatric interventions as outlined by the treatment plan, and is active in group activities with patients that contribute to their emotional, intellectual, and developmental growth
• Affords assistance with milieu management and utilizes crisis de-escalation strategies to reduce destructive and disruptive patient behavior and ensure the safety of patient, self, and others
• Recognizes early warning signs of worsening patient behaviors and intervenes appropriately
• Conducts patient observation rounds with appropriate documentation, and one to one observation
• Observes patient condition for signs/symptoms consistent with illness or mental status change; reports observations about patient condition to the nurse
• Provides physical care to patients as delegated/instructed by RN to include bathing, dressing, and assisting patients with their daily personal hygiene and other daily living activities, such as feeding and ambulation
• Takes, records and reports patient vital signs which include blood pressure, temperature, respiration, and/or pulse. Obtains height and weight measurements as requested
• Obtains specimens for laboratory examination, which may include blood draws, and delivers specimens to clinical laboratories
• Affords assistance in assessing the environmental needs of the unit and recommending and/or initiating appropriate action in coordination with professional staff
• Completes environmental/safety rounds at the beginning of each shift
• Affords assistance in admitting, transferring and discharging patients by orienting patients to the unit, assisting with transport of patient and belongings to and from admitting, discharge and other areas of the hospital as necessary
• Documents patient data in support of treatment and documentation requirements. Accompanies patients to diagnostic testing areas as directed and remains with patient
• Participates in mandatory hospital/department in-service education, de-escalation training, and staff meetings
• Maintains strict patient medical record confidentiality in accordance to hospital/unit policy and federal Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations
• Demonstrates support and compliance with UMMC mission, vision, values, philosophy, goals and objectives

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of universal blood and body fluids precautions and aseptic technique is required
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient populations(s) served relative to his or her age specific needs
• Knowledge of basic patient care skills, such as bathing, taking and recording vital signs, feeding and weighing patients is required
• Demonstrates sensitivity and awareness to the needs of patients, visitors and co-workers and responds promptly to verbal and/or written instructions
• Highly effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills are required to work with patients, visitors, and other healthcare team members to establish optimal working relationships

Education And Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required
• GNA or CNA certification (required for employees hired after 7/1/20)
• CPR certification required
• Experience working with direct patient care or in a psychiatric facility preferred