Psychiatric Technician (Evenings)

About This Role

This evening psychiatric technician role involves providing hygiene, comfort, and safety to patients of all ages under the supervision of a registered nurse. The role also includes conducting psychoeducational and symptom management groups for patients.

Responsibilities

• Establish caring and supportive relationships with patients and families
• Help patients use problem-solving and coping skills appropriately
• Serve as a role model for healthy behaviors and effective communication skills
• Document observations and patient data in accordance with hospital policy
• Orient patients and families to the unit, program goals, and guidelines
• Organize, plan, and direct psychoeducational, symptom management, and coping skills groups for patients
• Document pertinent information from groups
• May direct community meetings
• Adhere to group schedule
• Maintain current documentation in patient medical records
• Refer questions or situations requiring professional judgment to the registered nurse
• Assist patients with personal care as needed, including bathing, oral hygiene, hair care, skin care, and shaving
• Assist patients with elimination as needed
• Assist with and perform treatment procedures under the supervision of an RN, within prescribed limits and hospital policy (e.g., measurement and recording of intake and output, collection of specimens, application of ice bags or non-sterile warm packs)
• Serve trays, feed patients, and record intake and calorie counts
• Check and record vital signs accurately
• Transport patients safely
• Conduct and document regular patient safety checks
• Report concerns and significant changes to the RN
• Maintain a safe and hygienic environment, identifying and reporting safety hazards
• Keep hazardous material in proper and safe places
• Check in patient belongings and check for and secure contraband
• Follow infection control procedures and universal precautions in providing patient care
• Follow through with directions and assignments in a timely manner
• Report inability to complete assignments to the RN as soon as possible
• Demonstrate flexibility by adapting work organization plans to various changes in patient needs and unit acuity
• Maintain composure in emergency situations
• Notify appropriate persons according to policies
• Initiate appropriate emergency measures

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (Required)
• BLS - Basic Life Support - American Heart Association