Behavioral Health Technician - Post-Surgical Unit Nights - 24hrs/wk

University of Michigan Health-West • Wyoming, MI

5d

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician assists nursing staff by continually observing patients to maintain safety and by ensuring the safety of patients and their environment. 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 on the Post-Surgical Unit, works nights, and is scheduled for 24 hours per week (0.6 FTE). On-call work is not required; weekends are required.

The technician supports patient safety, comfort, hygiene, nutrition, hydration, and elimination; uses equipment and supplies safely; follows infection-prevention practices; and documents care and observations as directed by the RN. The technician communicates observations and care updates to nursing staff, maintains patient confidentiality, and works with the interdisciplinary team to develop and implement the plan of care. The role also includes completing department-specific competencies, helping maintain a clean and safe work environment, and participating in relevant meetings and in-services.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Continuously observe patients and promptly report behavior changes, problems, or difficulties to nursing staff.
• Monitor patient environments for safety; respond to fall risks by redirecting patients, notifying nursing staff, using the stat alarm when appropriate, and intervening when a patient is at risk of falling.
• Assist patients with activities and comfort, including making beds, turning and positioning patients, and transferring patients with staff and appropriate equipment.
• Assist with patient hygiene, including washing hands and face, combing hair, and helping nursing staff provide baths.
• Assist patients with nutrition and hydration by setting up meal trays, feeding patients who are not at risk for aspiration, offering fluids as ordered, and notifying the RN of eating problems.
• Assist patients with elimination needs, including providing and emptying urinals and bedpans, reporting or documenting amounts for nursing staff, and assisting eligible patients with bedside commodes.
• Use equipment and supplies safely and appropriately.
• Follow infection-prevention practices, including hand hygiene, standard precautions, special isolation precautions, and proper handling and disposal of linen.
• Document care provided, mental health precautions flow sheets, behavioral changes, and other information as directed by the RN.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, nursing staff, and other team members; use telephone and Vocera systems; report observations and care delivered to the RN; notify the RN when family is present; and maintain confidentiality.
• Work with the interdisciplinary team to develop and implement the plan of care.
• Successfully complete department-specific core competencies defined in the Behavioral Health Technician Initial Competency Evaluation.
• Talk with patients, read to them, and reorient them to time, place, and self.
• Perform tasks appropriate to scope of practice as delegated by the RN.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment.
• Attend and participate in meetings and in-services related to the job.
• Maintain current knowledge of department processes, protocols, and procedures; pursue self-directed learning and continuing education; and participate in committees, task forces, or work groups as determined by management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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