Psychiatric Technician -Days

Provides assistance and monitoring of patient activities and procedures, under the direction of a registered nurse, ensuring a safe and secure environment for both patients and employees. Work schedule: Full-time Days 3/12 (36 hours/week), 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., with rotating weekends and holidays. Location: Main Hospital Bldg - 1st Flr.

Responsibilities

Provides a safe environment for patients, nurses, doctors and others by collecting firearms from patients and officers, scanning patients, securing sharp items, and physically restraining uncooperative patients to minimize risk of injury; Monitors and assesses patients' physical and emotional status, applying Client Management procedures as necessary, including restraining and secluding patients when appropriate; Provides direct patient care, including recording vital signs, phlebotomy tasks, monitoring dietary intake, and monitoring and recording sleep behaviors; Monitors ongoing patient status and responds to changes in condition by notifying and assisting nurses and other health team members; Collects, stores, documents, and secures patient valuables and non-valuables; Interviews, counsels, and advises patients of their rights while establishing and maintaining rapport; Cleans patients, patient possessions, and patient areas to established cleanliness standards; Transports patients to and from test locations, and transports medicines and other items; Monitors and documents patient behaviors and care given to patients in seclusion, restraint, or on 1:1; Serves as a patient advocate by responding to patient needs and special requests, honoring patient rights and confidentiality; Maintains confidentiality of patient information per established policies; Conducts security rounds, inspects patient rooms for contraband, and performs quality management audits as requested; Maintains positive working relationships with management, employees, outside agencies, and other hospitals; Works directly with Charge Nurse and RNs carrying out special orders and providing assistance to meet patient needs; Performs all other duties as assigned by manager or manager's designee; Identifies ways to improve work processes and customer satisfaction, makes recommendations to supervisor, implements and monitors results; Stays abreast of developments and trends in the field and maintains certification or licensure; Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines, and develops internal controls promoting adherence

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent; One year of experience in a healthcare setting, OR one year of experience as a psychiatric technician, OR one year of experience as a residential treatment/group home worker, OR nursing student who has had basic fundamentals of nursing, OR successful completion of Parkland's job specific training program (an equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for both requirements); Current Heartsaver CPR course completion card within 90 days of hire and/or placement in job (American Heart Association, American Red Cross Rescuer, or Military Training Network); Satori Alternatives for Managing Aggression (SAMA) certification, level 1-4, within 60 days of hire, in place prior to first clinical orientation shift; Certification cards must show an expiration date more than 30 days from date of hire; Ability to demonstrate basic patient care skills, clerical/administrative duties, and use of supplies and assigned equipment; Ability to handle aggressive patients using Client Management methods if required; Ability to do some heavy lifting and moving; Ability to communicate effectively with departmental personnel, hospital personnel, physicians, patients and families; Ability to demonstrate patient centered/patient valued behavior

Nice to have

Associate's degree in healthcare related field; Bachelor's degree in healthcare related field