Description
Initiates and conducts group activities, conducts psycho-educational classes, provides direct care to patients under direction and guidance of professional nursing personnel. Assists nursing and clinical staff to maintain the therapeutic milieu. Interacts with patients to promote therapeutic environment to enhance wellness. Develops relationships focusing on helping patients identify and learn effective ways of dealing with social pressures and personal limitations. Demonstrates awareness of pediatric, adult and geriatric developmental limitations. Demonstrates awareness of pediatric, adult and geriatric developmental stages and learning processes.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED certificate equivalent required
- Bachelor's degree is preferred in Behavioral Science or related areas.
- Prior direct patient care experience is strongly preferred for candidate with bachelor’s degree.
- Ability to operate computer and various patient care equipment including thermometer, vital sign machine and glucometer required
- BLS upon hire from American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
- De-Escalation Training within 30 days.
Essential Physical Requirements
- Must possess full range of body motion to pass basic FIT test for position to include walking, kneeling, standing, pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, reaching and sitting for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
Job-Specific Standards
- Conducts psycho-educational classes.
- Initiates and conducts group activities with therapist and physician's approval.
- Maintains unit equipment and supplies.
- Implements and contributes to the behavior program designed by multidisciplinary team.
- Supervises patient activities and provides one-to-one supervision as ordered on patients.
- Obtains daily vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation and charts in the electronic medical record. Obtains blood glucose levels via the Accu-Chek machine as ordered. Accurately obtains weights on admission and weekly as ordered.
- Provides general patient care and upkeep of patient areas.
- Charts data on 15 min-observation flowsheets, charts group notes in the electronic medical record, and other documents assigned. Proofreads notes prior to submission.
- Conducts routine safety checks on patient's location and activities.
- Assists nursing to ensure patients are in correct area for meals.
- Assists with admissions (clothing lists, witness skin assessment with the RN, baseline vitals, etc.); escorts patients as needed; and assists in restraining disorderly patients.
- Reports patient's complaints, any unusual or relevant observations or incidents to the nurse in charge.
- Treats customers/patients as the most important part of the job.
- Listens to customers without interruption. Serves as a role model for customer service expectation.
- Takes actions to appropriately and successfully address customer issues; effectively communicates with customers.
- Demonstrates respect for diverse cultures of all patients' families and co-workers.
- Follows safety guidelines in safety manual.
- Knows RACE procedures, location of closest fire extinguisher.
- Reports any potential safety issues to management.
- Attends all required safety educational programs.
- Provides complete and accurate response to safety questions.
- Always maintains patient confidentiality
- Completes all mandated and annual education promptly
- Consistently follows attendance policy and procedure
- Works effectively as part of the team, participates and supports group efforts
- Maintains and practices good handwashing.
Reports To
Director of Behavioral Health
Schedule
As needed 7a-7p