Behavioral Health Technician - Post-Surgical Unit Evenings - 12hrs/wk

umhealthwest • Wyoming, MI

1d

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician assists nursing staff by continually observing patients to maintain safety, ensuring the safety of the patient and their environment, and interacting appropriately with patients. Under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the technician assists with basic nursing care and activities of daily living. The role is an evening position with a 0.3 FTE and a stated schedule of 12 hours per week. Weekend work is required; the position is not on-call.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Ability to communicate appropriately with staff and patients.
• Knowledge of infection prevention, including hand hygiene and standard precautions.
• Knowledge of and respect for patient rights and confidentiality.
• Basic computer operation skills.
• Complete behavioral health education or training within 90 days of hire.
• Successfully complete department-specific core competencies as defined in the Behavioral Health Technician Initial Competency Evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Continuously observe patients, monitor their environment, and promptly report behavioral changes, problems, or difficulties to nursing staff.
• Respond to potential fall risks by attempting to redirect patients, notifying nursing staff, or activating the stat alarm, and intervene when patients are at risk of falling.
• Assist with patient activity and comfort, including making beds, turning and positioning patients, and helping nursing or transport staff transfer patients using chairs, wheelchairs, slideboards, stretchers, cardiac chairs, and lifts.
• Assist patients with hygiene, including washing hands and faces, combing hair, and helping nursing staff provide baths.
• Assist patients with nutrition, set up trays, feed patients who are not at risk for aspiration, offer fluids as ordered, and notify the RN about eating problems.
• Assist with elimination needs by providing and emptying urinals and bedpans, notifying or documenting amounts for nursing staff, and helping eligible patients use bedside commodes.
• Use equipment and supplies safely and appropriately.
• Help prevent the spread of infection through hand hygiene, standard precautions, appropriate care for patients under special isolation precautions, and proper handling and disposal of clean and soiled linen.
• Document care provided, mental health precautions flow sheets, behavioral changes, and other information as directed by the RN.
• Communicate observations and care delivered to the RN, notify the RN when family is present, use the telephone and Vocera systems, and maintain patient confidentiality.
• Work with the interdisciplinary team to develop and implement the plan of care.
• Complete department-specific core competencies as defined in the Behavioral Health Technician Initial Competency Evaluation.
• Talk with patients, read to them, and reorient them to time, place, and self.
• Perform other tasks appropriate to the scope of practice as delegated by the RN.
• Participate in maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient work environment, and attend and participate in relevant meetings and in-services.
• Perform other assigned duties, which may include maintaining knowledge of department processes and procedures, pursuing self-directed learning and continuing education, and participating in 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