Emergency Psychiatric Tech, ED, UofL Hospital, Part Time, 7p-7a

UofL Health•Louisville, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Emergency Psychiatric Technician (EPT) participates in delivering care to psychiatric patients in crisis under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse (RN). The role supports a safe, therapeutic environment and includes specimen collection, assistance with activities of daily living, behavioral management, crisis intervention, and implementation of patient treatment according to physician orders, RN directives, hospital and unit policies, and patient-care standards. The EPT provides clinical support in a caring, safe, and efficient manner. The role also includes patient monitoring and documentation, assistance with admissions, transfers, discharges, examinations, and mobility, equipment and supply upkeep, clerical duties, and adherence to infection-control, privacy, safety, and regulatory requirements. The EPT may cross-train or provide staffing support to other psychiatric or nursing units as needed.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification is required.
NVCI certification, including team control and transport, is required upon hire and annually while employed by psychiatric services.
Ability to read, interpret, and follow detailed verbal, written, and illustrated instructions; write simple sentences; complete forms and chart patient data; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, caregivers, coworkers, and the public.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a recognized Clinical Assistant, Medical Assistant, or EMT training program, or enrollment in an accredited school of nursing with completion of Fundamentals of Nursing.
College coursework in social and health sciences.
Current CNA, CMA, or EMT certification, or enrollment in an accredited nursing program with completion of Fundamentals of Nursing; LPNs may apply.
Medical terminology and computer skills.
One year of experience in inpatient or emergency psychiatry or a related area.

Responsibilities

Respond appropriately in lifesaving situations and help maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.
Complete and document patient safety rounds every 15 minutes.
Identify, manage, and help stabilize crisis situations, including de-escalating combative patients.
Assist with implementation and documentation of seclusion and restraint episodes, using Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Team Control techniques when indicated.
Collect blood and urine specimens, label and transport them appropriately, and perform venipuncture under RN direction.
Perform routine 12-lead electrocardiography testing under RN direction.
Assist the RN or respiratory therapist with placement of nasal cannulas.
Measure and document vital signs, oxygen saturation, and glucose as directed or required by unit policy.
Complete and document contraband searches when security personnel are absent, including searches in the designated search room when required.
Safeguard patients' clothing and valuables.
Assist with physical examinations and patient admissions, transfers, and discharges; accompany patients at discharge to their appropriate transportation.
Transport patients by wheelchair with security personnel to 3N.
Assist patients with mobility, exercise, comfort, rest, sleep, hygiene, grooming, dressing, skincare, dietary, toileting, and elimination needs.
Develop therapeutic rapport with patients and families and use A.I.D.E.T. and therapeutic communication techniques; document interventions as needed.
Perform clerical tasks, including operating fax machines, copiers, printers, phones, and computers, and printing patient labels and armbands when indicated.
Participate in incoming and outgoing shift reports.
Safely operate equipment such as beds, wheelchairs, and restraint beds; organize, assemble, clean, and disinfect equipment and supplies; maintain disinfectant solutions; and report equipment malfunctions to biomedical engineering.
Perform equipment safety checks and quality assurance and quality control checks on point-of-care testing machines.
Follow universal precautions, infection-control, OSHA, facility safety, and other regulatory policies and procedures.
Cross-train and provide staffing support to other UofL Health psychiatric units as needed, and provide sitter support to other nursing units when appropriate.
Comply with hospital and departmental policies, required training, competencies, and standards of conduct; assist with new-employee orientation as needed.
Participate in department initiatives, training and continuing education, performance and quality improvement, and patient-safety activities.
Help maintain compliance with Joint Commission and other regulatory standards, and comply with HIPAA privacy and security requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.