Mental Health Technician - Acute Psychiatric Adult - Prn

DescriptionSummary:Facilitates the provision of patient care by performing specific nursing tasks in accordance with organizational and regulatory compliance. This position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the Mission of CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital and demonstrating behavior consistent with the Core Values.Responsibilities:Maintains continuous alertness and response to patient safety issues and participates in maintaining a safe and secure patient care environmentUses patient identifiers as defined by policyMakes rounds to assure patient safety and satisfactionAnswers call lights promptlyMaintains falls precautionsPerforms complete hand-off communication clearly and effectivelyProvides emergency assistance within the defined roleMaintains a hazard-free work environmentMaintains unit securityParticipates in emergency and disaster plansInitiates call for emergencies and responds to staff needsComplies with regulatory agency guidelines/rulesPerforms appropriate luggage package checks removing and properly securing contraband.Make rounds on patients at least every 15 mins intervals on both day and nightAdheres to Christus policies and procedures and the standards of JC, OSHA, DHH, HIPAA, etcMaintains infection control standards by using proper isolation techniques, handwashing and standard precautionsProvides privacy and maintenance of confidentialityPromotes patients right to make personal choices to accommodate their needs and be free from abuse, mistreatment and neglect, reporting any instances of maltreatment to appropriate personnelGives assistance in resolving grievances and disputesProvides needed assistance in getting to and participating in patient and family meetings and other activitiesMaintains care and security of patient's personal possessionsWorks with nursing staff to reduce need for restraintsScreens telephone calls and visitor requests to protect patient confidentialityRestricts access to patient information (e.G., charts, computers, etc.)Demonstrates knowledge of informed consentRecognizes age, diversity specific needs/issues of customers servedCommunicates with patient/family/staff members in ways that demonstrateSpends time with and listens to patients and families as needed. Reports patients and family's fears, problems and anxieties to the professional staff.Awareness of age-specific needs and developmental tasksSensitivity and openness for allowing the patient to make personal choicesReinforcement of the patient plan of care and education goals, e.G. use of incentive spirometer, frequent ambulation, NPO status, etc.The ability to involve the patient/family as a source of emotional supportHas good listening skillsTreats patients with compassionExhibits motivation and interest in working with psychiatric patientsCommunicates with team members demonstratingPrompt reporting of changes in patient conditionTimely awareness & reporting of clinical and equipment alarmsAppropriate access to the chain-of-commandCollaboration with the multidisciplinary teamExhibits capability to handle crisis situations appropriatelyExhibits assertiveness skills when enforcing guidelines and rulesExhibits independent decision-making skills, yet is able to discern the need for professional staff input.Performs communication using various technology applicationsCommunicates with patients and staff via intercomSends/receives documents via faxSends/receives email and uses other programs/toolsContacts personnel via telecommunication systems (e.G., pagers, cell phone)Answers and processes calls using proper telephone etiquetteMaintains responsibility for learning needs and remains current on all aspects of the nursing assistant roleAttends inservices, department, staff or other required meetingsReviews facility specific publications, memos, policies and other job related publicationsYearly CPI TrainingYearly CPRUtilize knowledge of computer skills as changes occurPerforms basic nursing skills competently and in accordance with Christus policies and procedures following initial competence validationTaking, recording and reporting vital signsTaking, recording and reporting other clinical measurements such as pulse oximetry and bedside glucoseMeasuring, recording and reporting height/weight, nutritional and fluid intake/outputRecognizing and reporting abnormal changes in body functioningCare of catheters, colostomies and ileostomies within scope of practiceSpecimen collection and deliveryUsing appropriate moving and lifting techniques and equipmentCaring for the dying patient including post-mortem carePerforms patient care skills needed to assure patient comfort and safetyBathing, grooming (mouth care, shaving, hair care) and dressingToileting, walking and skin careTray distribution and assisting with eating (proper feeding techniques and aspiration precautions) and hydrationTransferring, positioning, turning and encouraging range of motionRecording patient care activitiesAssisting with transporting patientsAssisting with admission, transfer and/or discharge processes including securing assistive devices and personal effectsParticipates in care of the patient environment and equipmentMaintains cleanliness of room and bedside areaReplenishes water, linen, towels, etc.Maintains cleanliness of bedside mechanical equipment including oxygen and suctionReapplication of sequential compression devicesRequirements:Education/SkillsHigh School Diploma requiredExperience1 year of mental health tech experience preferred.Licenses, Registrations or CertificationsCurrent certification with the American Heart Association Basic Life Support or completion within 90 days of employment.Current de-escalation training or completion within 90 days of employment with annual recertification.Work Schedule:PRNWork Type:Per Diem As Needed