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

University of Michigan Health-West • Wyoming, MI

2d

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician assists nursing staff by continuously observing patients to maintain safety, ensuring the safety of patients 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 position is on the post-surgical unit, works evenings, and is listed at 12 hours per week (0.3 FTE); it is not on-call and includes weekends.

The technician supports patient safety, comfort, hygiene, nutrition, hydration, and elimination; uses equipment and supplies safely; follows infection-prevention and isolation procedures; documents care and behavioral observations; and communicates with nursing staff and the interdisciplinary team. The role also includes completing department-specific competencies, maintaining a clean and safe work environment, attending relevant meetings and in-services, and performing other tasks within scope as delegated by the RN.

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 and promptly report behavior changes, problems, or difficulties to nursing staff.
• Monitor the patient environment for safety; respond to fall risks by redirecting the patient, notifying nursing staff, or activating the stat alarm as appropriate.
• Assist with patient activity and comfort, including bed-making, turning and positioning, and transfers using appropriate equipment.
• Assist with patient hygiene, including washing hands and face, combing hair, and assisting nursing staff with baths.
• Assist with nutrition by setting up trays, feeding patients who are not at risk for aspiration, offering fluids as ordered, and notifying the RN of eating problems.
• Assist with elimination needs, including providing and emptying urinals and bedpans, reporting or documenting amounts, and assisting eligible patients with bedside commodes.
• Use equipment and supplies safely and appropriately.
• Prevent the spread of infection through hand hygiene, standard precautions, isolation procedures, and appropriate handling of clean and soiled linen.
• Document care provided, mental health precautions, 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 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 within 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 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