Emergency Department- Behavioral Health Technician- 40hr

Connecticut Children's Medical Center•Hartford, CT

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician promotes the safety, health, and comfort of patients, families, and staff in Zone C of the Emergency Department while supporting care for behavioral health and psychiatric patients. The primary assignment is Zone C, with possible support for the main ED triage function when there are no patients in Zone C. The technician works under the direction of the registered nurse and other care team members and contributes to a safe, therapeutic environment, patient care, department operations, customer service, and quality and safety initiatives.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one year of experience in a pediatric emergency department or psychiatric/behavioral health unit.
BLS CPR for Healthcare Provider certification, required upon hire and maintained current at all times.
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) certification required within three months of hire and maintained current at all times.

Responsibilities

Assist the Registered Nurse in collecting patient data during intake and admission for behavioral health and psychiatric patients.
Inventory patients’ personal items and appropriately wand patients and belongings upon arrival; participate in supervised clothing changes; secure belongings according to department standards and return them at the end of the visit.
Communicate observations about the environment and patient indicators of escalating behavior or increased risk of agitation, aggression, or harm to self.
Help maintain a safe and therapeutic environment and appropriate boundaries for patients, families, and staff.
Support visitation guidelines and policies established by the department and hospital.
As assigned by the primary RN and shift charge RN, serve as an intermittent or roving patient care partner.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, dietary needs, and escorting patients off the unit.
Complete patient documentation as appropriate.
Obtain vital signs and weights as delegated by the Registered Nurse.
Support the main ED triage function when assigned by the charge nurse and there are no patients in Zone C.
Assist with applying and removing physical restraints when directed by the attending medical provider or primary nurse.
Contribute as a care team member to safe observation levels and to the development and implementation of individualized care plans; do not independently develop or act on plans not vetted by the licensed team.
Hold patients accountable for limits and boundaries established by the team and apply de-escalation techniques effectively.
Assist with procedural holds as directed by an MD, provider, or RN.
Obtain and test specimens, including blood glucose, urine, and pharyngeal swabs, and perform one- and two-step point-of-care tests.
Perform EKGs.
Round continuously to observe for escalating situations and intervene early.
Keep the department free of unnecessary hallway clutter and obstructions and maintain the environment of care.
Complete daily safety checks and restocking of equipment, restraints, and supplies.
Participate in post-restraint huddles.
Establish effective relationships with patients, families, staff, and external customers or consultants to the team.
Support departmental and hospital quality and safety initiatives and goals.
Recognize age-related differences and needs of patients from neonates through adolescents and apply this knowledge to practice.
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and value cultural diversity and other individual differences in the workforce.
Support the organization’s mission, values, and goals through behaviors consistent with Connecticut Children’s standards.
Perform other related responsibilities as assigned.