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

University of Michigan Health-West • Wyoming, MI

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician assists nursing staff by providing continuous observation of patients to ensure their safety. Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the technician provides basic nursing care and assists with activities of daily living. This role involves monitoring the patient environment, reporting changes in patient behavior, and intervening in at-risk situations. The technician also assists with patient comfort, hygiene, nutrition, and elimination needs, while using equipment and supplies safely and adhering to infection prevention protocols. Documentation of care provided and effective communication with the interdisciplinary team are key aspects of this position.

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

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of department-specific core competencies as defined in the Behavioral Health Technician Initial Competency Evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Continuously observe patients and report behavior changes, problems, or difficulties to nursing staff in a timely and effective manner.
• Monitor the 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 beds and assisting with turning, positioning, and transferring patients.
• Assist with hygiene activities, including washing patient’s hands and face, combing hair, and assisting with complete baths.
• Assist patients with nutrition and offer fluids as ordered to maintain hydration.
• Assist patients with elimination needs, including providing urinals, bedpans, emptying them, and assisting with bedside commodes.
• Use equipment and supplies safely and appropriately.
• Prevent the spread of infection through effective hand hygiene, adherence to universal/standard precautions, and appropriate care for patients with special isolation precautions.
• Document care given, mental health precautions flow sheet, behavioral changes, and other information as directed by the RN.
• Communicate effectively using the telephone and Vocera systems, reporting observations to the RN, keeping the RN informed of care delivered, notifying the RN when family is present, and maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Work with the interdisciplinary team to develop and implement the plan of care.
• Successfully complete 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.
• Maintain a current knowledge base of department processes, protocols, and procedures.
• Pursue self-directed learning and continuing education opportunities.
• Participate on committees, task forces, and work groups as determined by management.

What This Job Offers

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