Mental Health Technician

Description

Position Summary

Assists patients with activities of daily living, provides basic nursing care to non-acutely ill patients and assists in maintenance of a safe and clean environment under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse in charge of the team and/or unit.

Primary Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities.

1. Provides basic nursing care to non-acutely ill patients within the Mental Health Technician’s scope of practice that includes actions that meet scope of psychosocial needs and physical needs.

2. Provides general aspects of care that meet psychosocial or physical needs or both simultaneously, within the Mental Health Technician’s scope of practice.

3. Meets communication needs of patients.

4. Performs all specific skills assigned including monitoring vital signs in a complete and accurate manner.

5. Utilizes appropriate skills in telephone etiquette as evidence by taking and relaying messages, proper identification of self and area, and possessing adequate knowledge of the hospital in order to answer phone inquiries accurately.

6. Escorts patients to and from scheduled activities in both in and outside of the unit, including hospital grounds in a safe and professional manner.

7. Assists in admission, transfer, and discharge of patient.

8. Performs basic patient care responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient’s age.

9. Notifies appropriate licensed personnel when patient complains of pain.

10. Demonstrates ability to communicate to the RN any observed changes in patient status and responses. Maintains awareness of the needs of the pediatric, geriatric, and general patient population.

11. Maintains until filing and paperwork as evidenced by an orderly file system, adequate numbers of patient chart packs available.

12. Demonstrates the ability to assist with feeding patients and maintaining fluid balance with technique appropriate for patient’s age and physical condition.

13. Provides explanation to patient and family prior to administering care to patient; answers questions within scope of practice.

14. Completes 15 minute checks, special observations and patient monitoring, including 1:1 and close supervision.

15. Attends the required mandatory in-services on an annual basis (Infection Control, Fire/Safety, Disaster, Confidentiality and Patient Rights, and Crisis Prevention Institute).

16. Communicates appropriately and clearly to team leader, co-workers and physicians.

17. Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.

18. Provides care appropriate to condition and age of the patient, including pediatric, geriatric, and general population.

19. Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

20. Demonstrates an ability to assist physicians with procedures and performs services requiring technical and manual skills under the direction of an RN.

21. Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organizes, and function under stressful situations.

22. Responds to patient in emergency or physically distressful situations.

23. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.

24. Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.

25. Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.

26. Meets current documentation standards and policies and completes within shift.

27. Manages and operates equipment safety and correctly.

28. Conducts searches of patient’s person and property when assigned in a thorough and professional manner, maintaining the highest level of dignity possible during procedure as evidence by ensuring privacy and having a second person in attendance.

29. Participates in restraining and secluding patients as ordered by the physician.

30. Medical and surgical asepsis is carried out during treatments and special procedures.

Competencies

1. Basic computer knowledge.

2. Ability to use appropriate discretion in handling confidential material and information.

3. Ability to interact with all customers (co-workers, patients, families, physicians, vendors, etc.) of NRMC with hospitality and the highest standards of customer service, exhibiting professionalism and a spirit of teamwork.

4. Each associate should have an understanding that he or she represents NRMC and should act accordingly and in a manner that demonstrates respect and pride for this organization.

5. Ability to read and communicate effectively in English.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

1. High School graduate or equivalent.

2. Must have completed an accredited clinical program to obtain an active license and/or certification in one of the following: CNA Certification, Patient Care Technician, or Certified/Registered Medical Assistant.

3. Current BLS certification.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Minimum of six months of related clinical work experience preferred.