Psychiatric Technician, Geriatric

Benefits I. General Summary Under direct supervision of a licensed professional staff performs delegated medical and mental health care practices to patients with diverse psychiatric/medical and substance abuse disorders. The psychiatric technician participates as a multi-disciplinary team member of the nursing staff to maintain a therapeutic and rehabilitative milieu environment.

Responsibilities II. Principal Responsibilities and Tasks The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified and may perform additional functions and other activities assigned.

• Provides therapeutic psychiatric interventions as outlined by the treatment plan, and is active in group activities with patients that contribute to their emotional, intellectual, and developmental growth
• Assists with milieu management and uses crisis de-escalation strategies to reduce destructive and disruptive patient behavior and ensure the safety of patient, self, and others. Recognizes early warning signs of worsening patient behaviors and intervenes appropriately.
• Conducts patient observation rounds with appropriate documentation, and one to one observation. Observes patient condition for signs/symptoms consistent with illness or mental status change; reports observations about patient condition to the nurse.
• Provides physical care to patients as delegated/instructed by RN to include bathing, dressing, and assisting patients with their daily personal hygiene and other daily living activities, such as feeding and ambulation.
• Takes, records and reports patient vital signs which include blood pressure, temperature, respiration, and/or pulse. Obtains height and weight measurements as requested.
• Obtains specimens for laboratory examination, which may include blood draws, and delivering specimens to clinical laboratories.
• Assesses the environmental needs of the unit and recommends and/or initiates appropriate action in coordination with professional staff. Completes environmental/safety rounds at the beginning of each shift.
• Assists in admitting, transferring and discharging patients by orienting patients to the unit, assisting with transport of patient and belongings to and from admitting, discharge and other areas of the hospital as necessary.
• Documents patient data in support of treatment and documentation requirements.
• Accompanies patients to diagnostic testing areas as directed and remains with patient.
• Participates in mandatory hospital/department in-service education, de-escalation training, and staff meetings.
• Maintains strict patient medical record confidentiality in accordance to hospital/unit policy and federal Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations.
• Demonstrates support and compliance with UMMC mission, vision, values, philosophy, goals and objectives.

III. Education And Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• GNA or CNA certification (required for employees hired after 7/1/20)
• CPR certification required.
• Experience working with direct patient care or in a psychiatric facility preferred.

IV. Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of universal blood and body fluids precautions and aseptic technique is required. Knowledge of basic patient care skills, such as bathing, taking and recording vital signs, feeding and weighing patients is required.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and awareness to the needs of patients, visitors and co-workers and responds promptly to verbal and/or written instructions.
• Highly effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills are required to work with patients, visitors, and other healthcare team members to establish optimal working relationships.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient populations(s) served relative to his or her age specific needs.
• Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

• Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
• Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
• Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.