Patient Care Associate - Psychiatry - PCAP-24-13383

Shift Time: 11 PM - 7 AM

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) functions as a key member of a multidisciplinary team, providing essential services to patients admitted to the inpatient psychiatry unit. The role includes assisting in patient admission, therapeutic interventions, and ongoing support throughout the patient’s stay, with a focus on patient care and safety.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in patient admissions, including helping with patient changes, searching patients, securing valuables, and orienting them to the unit.
• Support the development and updating of the Nursing Care Plan and Interdisciplinary Treatment Team plans.
• Aid in implementing therapeutic interventions as part of the established care plans.
• Perform direct patient care tasks such as taking vital signs, conducting EKGs, collecting specimens (sputum, blood, urine), performing dressing changes, and assisting with personal hygiene needs (e.g., feeding, bathing, shaving, dressing).
• Assist with practical services like arranging transportation, obtaining clothing, and other basic needs.
• Lead or co-lead recreational and therapeutic patient activity groups.
• Assist in discharge planning, including coordinating transportation and maintaining contact with family and other key parties to facilitate a smooth discharge.
• Escort patients both on and off-site for medical tests, treatments, or recreational outings.
• Provide physical restraint for violent or aggressive patients when necessary.
• Care for patients in seclusion or restraint, adhering to departmental policies.
• Initiate CPR when needed and assist in executing the Code 77 protocol in emergencies.
• Maintain strict infection control practices.
• Provide ongoing supportive counseling to assigned patients and their families.

Skills and Experience:

• Required:
• If no Associate's degree: 2 years of full-time experience in law enforcement, Nursing, Psychiatric/Behavioral Health, or with Mental Health populations, Counseling, Group Family Dynamics.
• Experience in venipuncture and EKG procedures.

Education:

• Required:
• High School Diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of full-time experience in law enforcement, Nursing, Psychiatric/Behavioral Health, or Mental Health Populations, Counseling, or Group Family Dynamics.
• Associate’s degree, preferably in mental health or a related field.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Required:
• BLS (American Heart Association).
• Certificate of Medical Assistant training.
• CPI or PMCS certification.
• Venipuncture and EKG certifications (experience required).
• SEL and SCR background checks.

Languages:

• English (speak, read, write).

Schedule:

• Hours per week: 37.5 (7.5 hours per day, 5 days per week).
• Flexible schedule required, including 11 PM - 7 AM shifts.

Special Notes:

• This is a psychiatric crisis compliance position.
• Floating experience is not accepted; specialization in psychiatry is required.
• Must have in-hand certifications for EKG, phlebotomy, and active CPI or PMCS certification.
• Floating may be required to MSBHC – CPEP (E 16 Street).