Behavioral Health Technician-Duke Regional Hospital Emerency Department PRN

Duke Careers • Durham, NC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Behavioral Health Technicians Perform a variety of routine activities to provide physical and psychological care to patients with psychiatric disorders. This role is for Duke Regional Hospital Emergency Department on a PRN basis, working a 19-bed locked unit. Shifts are 12 hours, either 7:00 am-7:30 pm or 7:00 pm-7:30 am, with one shift per week required.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or GED.
• 1 year of experience working with patients with substance abuse, mental health, dementia diagnosis, intellectually or disabled preferred.
• Listing on the Nurse Aid Registry of North Carolina or Certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor in North Carolina or Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician in North Carolina or Certification as a Behavioral Health Technician by The Academy of Addiction Professionals or American Medical Certification Association.
• If a hire does not meet 1 of the 4 requirements, the BHT must start the process to complete one of the requirements within 1 year of employment and complete within 2 years.
• BCLS certification must be maintained/completed by the end of new hire orientation, which typically takes place during the first week of employment.
• Knowledge of special procedures that are applicable to work performed.
• Knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in administering routine treatments to patients.
• Knowledge of sanitation, personal hygiene, infection control, and basic health and safety precautions applicable to work in a health care environment.
• Knowledge of specimen collection, storage and transport.
• Knowledge of behavioral principles and individual responses to stressors.
• Ability to establish and effective working relationships with patients and hospital staff.
• Ability to work with, express sensitivity and understanding, and secure the cooperation of patients, including maintaining sympathetic attitude towards patients.
• Ability to keep calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain routine records and prepare reports.
• Ability to recognize patients in emergency states and seek appropriate assistance.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and other patient rights.
• Ability to understand, follow and communicate/relate oral and written instructions and pertinent information accurately.
• Ability to apply proper body mechanics and safety.

Nice To Haves

• CPI certification strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Observe patients and assess progress on a daily basis; report significant changes in patients' condition and/or behavior to supervising RN.
• Interact with patients on a one-to-one basis providing recreational or social activities and reinforce patient teaching.
• Assist patients in activities of daily living including making beds, bathing, personal hygiene, feeding and dressing.
• Assist patients with position changes, range of motion exercises, transfers and walking.
• Provide care and monitoring of patients in seclusion and/or restraint.
• Provide protection and control for patients as required to ensure patient safety in the facility.
• Participate in restraining combative patients as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with safety and infection control guidelines including universal precautions for self and patients.
• Participate in staff discussions to assess, coordinate and execute patient care.
• Maintain a clean, neat and safe work environment; activities may include tidying rooms, cleaning equipment, changing bed linens, restocking work areas, keeping rooms and hallways clear of debris, etc.
• Practice proper safety techniques in accordance with hospital and departmental policies and procedures: immediately report any mechanical or electrical equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, or employee/patient/visitor injuries to the manager.
• Participate in review of activities and processes for work area; assist in implementing changes to effect continual improvement in services provided; comply with regulatory and legal requirements.
• Assist in organizing and conducting recreational activities.
• Interact with patients on a one-to-one as well as small group basis; assist patients in planning how the treatment plan can be optimally utilized for their benefit.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
• Meet DUHS credential to perform analysis of blood glucose from finger sticks and report findings to nurse. Complete quality control measures for this equipment. Participate in specimen collection according to test requested. Is responsible for patient identification, specimen labeling, and collection verification. Instruct patients in collection and preservation of urine, sputum and stool samples for analysis. Obtain and record vital signs, intake and output amounts or other measures as delegated within 90 days of employment.

Benefits

• Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
• Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED