Technician, Psychiatry

Overview:

The Psychiatry Technician is directly responsible to the Assistant Head Nurse/ Charge Nurse of the unit or designee for all patient care activities. Functions as part of the multidisciplinary team providing direct patient care to patients.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in and contribute to a healthy emotional environment.
• Working effectively with patients with various symptoms of emotional disturbance.
• Planning cooperatively with staff, patients/activities of daily living.
• Establish therapeutic relationships with patients as directed.
• Observing, reporting and recording pertinent data in a narrative form relating to patient's activity. (Such recording to be countersigned by a Registered Professional Nurse).
• Assist with special procedures as directed.
• Participate in team and other pertinent unit meetings.
• Implement the comfort and safety of patients.
• Help carry out policies and procedures designed to insure the comfort and safety of patients.
• Give direct care to assigned patients in relation to cleanliness, grooming, rest, activity, nourishment and elimination.
• Help maintain a comfortable, clean and healthful physical environment in relation to cleanliness, ventilation, lighting, reporting needed repairs, etc.
• Help expedite the smooth functioning of the unit by obtaining necessary supplies (such as extra nourishment, linen, etc.), going on errands, transporting patients to and from various departments within the hospital, etc.
• Obtain & Record Vital signs (B/P, Resp. rate, Pulse, Temp, & Pulse oximetry), I&O, and other patient care activities in EHR, per policy in daily care flow Sheet.
• Consistently reports to nurse observations/changes in patient’s condition. Provides a handoff when leaving unit for breaks and at end of the shift. Documents changes (i.e.: Vital signs) in EHR.
• Utilize appropriate precautions when providing care to patients in isolation. Maintain universal precautions in all patient care activities.
• Adheres to observation level defined by RN as assigned. Accepts and documents the responsibility for the level of observation for the patient on the acceptance sheet and on the observation flow sheet.
• Adheres to restraint policy and complies with application of restraint management and patient observation.
• Responsible for accepting and identifying patient belongings; will document such in Patient Property sheet in EHR.
• Collect specimens (e.g. urine, sputum, stool, etc.) as assigned. Label specimen correctly and deliver/forward them to the correct department.
• Perform off-unit messenger duties (e.g. deliver patient belongings, pick up equipment, lab, etc.
• Functions as a member of the nursing care team, participating in the implementation of the patient’s plan of care.
• Participate in maintenance of a clean and safe patient environment.
• Promotes improved customer relations with patients and their families and makes recommendations for improved patient care.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Conducts/facilitates therapeutic groups as assigned.
• Performs POCT.
• Maintains the culture of safety by properly identifying patients using two identifiers, accurate and timely documentation
• Performs 12 lead EKG
• Performs phlebotomy to obtain necessary blood specimens, POCT as ordered. Documents in the electronic medical record or paper during downtime.
• Complies with all departmental and organization wide policies and Procedures.
• Complies with the Patient Bill of Rights
• Participates in PI data collection activities as directed.
• Performs other position-related duties as assigned, depending on assignment setting.

Qualifications:

Education:

• High School Graduate or GED required.
• Course work in Patient Care is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum one (1) year Behavioral Health experience or equivalent.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Math, and computer skills.
• Works as a team player. Demonstrates respect and professionalism in all interactions.
• Excellent oral and communication skills.
• Decision making and problem solving.
• Able to see, hear, read and write English.
• Ability to fully utilize BHMC’s electronic record systems, equipment and other healthcare and billing systems relevant to this position as required.

Licenses, Certifications:

• Certificate of approved Patient Care Technician program required.
• OR both an EKG and Phlebotomy certifications required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Physically demanding, high-stress environment.
• Occasional exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions.
• Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients.
• Manual and finger dexterity.
• Hand and eye coordination.
• Sitting, standing, and walking for extensive periods of time.
• Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Corrected vision and hearing to within normal range.
• Frequently sitting at desk working on computer.

Pay Transparency:

The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job advertisement and can be modified in the future. When determining a team member’s base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., site, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, negotiated contracts, budget and internal equity).

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of One Brooklyn Health (OBH).

OBH is an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, military status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or handicap or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.