Float Mental Health Worker:

Sheppard Pratt•Towson, MD

68d•$21 - $31

About The Position

Float Mental Health Workers work 36 hours per week, including shifts from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and biweekly weekends. Under close supervision of the Staff Nurse, they participate in planning and evaluating patient needs based on patient behaviors. They provide direct patient care in accordance with treatment plans and under the direction of a professional nurse, and help maintain a safe, therapeutic environment consistent with established policies and procedures. The role serves varying patient populations and unit needs, including child and adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. It involves contributing observations to patient-care planning, supporting therapeutic and recreational activities, assisting with activities of daily living, monitoring vital signs as assigned, and documenting and communicating patient information. Working with severely ill psychiatric patients frequently can involve a high level of stress and mental fatigue.

Requirements

High school education and 6 months to 1 year of relevant experience.
AHA-approved Basic Life Support/CPR certification for healthcare workers at the time of hire and throughout employment.
Ability to read and follow documentation in patient records, complete required written patient documentation, use a computer at a basic level, and communicate effectively orally.
Competency in basic patient-care methods, procedures, and techniques, as well as specialized skills and procedures for the patient populations served; training is provided by the hospital.
Interpersonal skills to establish therapeutic relationships with emotionally disturbed patients and communicate and work effectively with patients in accordance with treatment plans.
Analytical skills to document patient care, assess situations, identify when assistance or supervision is needed, and seek appropriate resources.
Ability to work with severely ill psychiatric patients; this frequently involves high stress and mental fatigue.

Responsibilities

Provide quality services to patients and other customers, including families, payers, referrers, and staff.
Help orient new patients, staff members, volunteers, and others to the unit and hospital.
Provide input into treatment planning and shift reports, use observations to make patient-care recommendations, and collect data for initial patient assessments.
Use the licensed nurse as a resource for assistance and guidance.
Adapt and respond to changing patient populations and unit needs.
Help organize therapeutic and recreational activities, participate in or co-lead activities, and encourage patient participation.
Assist patients with activities of daily living and personal hygiene, including bathing, grooming, and bed-making when necessary.
Demonstrate understanding of the special needs of the patient populations served and promote patient comfort.
Monitor vital signs as assigned.
Guide and assist patients in maintaining unit rules and regulations.
Follow unit and program protocols and guidelines while maintaining patient privacy and dignity.
Provide direct patient care in accordance with treatment plans and under the direction of a professional nurse, helping maintain a safe and therapeutic environment.