Behavioral Health Technician - Post-Surgical Unit Days (7a-3p) - 24hrs/wk

umhealthwest • Wyoming, MI

14h • Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician assists the nursing staff by providing continual observation of the patient to maintain patient safety. Ensures the safety of the patient and patient environment, and interacts appropriately with patients. Under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the behavioral health technician assists nursing staff in providing basic nursing care to patients and assisting with activities of daily living.

Requirements

• High School diploma required.
• Ability to communicate appropriately to staff and patients.
• Knowledgeable of infection prevention including hand hygiene and standard precautions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and respect for patient rights and confidentiality.
• Basic computer operation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of behavioral health education/training within 90 days of hire

Responsibilities

• Continuously observe patients and report behavior changes, problems or difficulties to nursing staff in a timely and effective manner.
• Monitor patient environment at all times to ensure safety.
• Attempt to redirect, notify nursing, or push stat alarm for any patient on fall precautions attempting to independently get out of bed, wheelchair, or chair.
• Intervene should a patient be in an at-risk situation for a fall.
• Assist with activity and provide for comfort, including making unoccupied beds and assisting with occupied beds.
• Assist nursing staff with turning and positioning patients in bed.
• Assist nursing staff/transport staff with transferring patients using chairs, wheelchairs, slideboards, stretchers, cardiac chairs and lifts.
• Assist with hygiene activities, including washing patient’s hands and face and combing hair, and assisting nursing staff with giving patients complete baths.
• Assist patients with nutrition and offers fluids as ordered to maintain hydration.
• Set up trays and feed patients who are not at risk for aspiration and notify the RN if the patient is having problems eating.
• Assist patients with elimination needs, including giving patients urinals and bedpans, emptying urinals and bedpans and notifying/documenting nursing staff of amount.
• Assist patients who are not at increased risk for fall with using bedside commodes.
• Use equipment and supplies safely and appropriately.
• Function to prevent the spread of infection, including using effective hand hygiene and adhering to universal/standard precautions.
• Care appropriately for patients with special isolation precautions.
• Pass clean linen and bag and dispose of soiled linen.
• Document care given, mental health precautions flow sheet, behavioral changes, and other as directed by RN.
• Communicate effectively using the telephone system and Vocera system.
• Report observations to the RN and keep the RN informed of care delivered.
• Notify the RN when family is present.
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Work with interdisciplinary team to develop and implement the plan of care.
• Successful completion of department-specific core competencies as defined in the Behavioral Health Technician Initial Competency Evaluation.
• Talk with patient, read to patient, reorient patient to time, place, and self.
• Perform other tasks appropriate to scope of practice as delegated by the RN.
• Actively participate in maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient work environment.
• Attend and participate in meetings and in-services related to job description.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including maintaining current knowledge base of department processes, protocols and procedures, pursuing self-directed learning and continuing education opportunities, and participating on committees, task forces, and work groups as determined by management.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED