Marshall I. Pickens Mental Health Specialist PRN

Prisma Health•Greenville, SC

22d

About The Position

The Mental Health Specialist performs direct patient care duties assigned or delegated by the Charge Nurse to meet the physical, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of psychiatric and/or chemically dependent patients. The role serves voluntary and involuntary patients of all ages and requires knowledge of population-specific developmental tasks gained through training and experience. As delegated, the specialist performs basic nursing activities and other clinical responsibilities appropriate to the patient population. The specialist provides therapeutic, individualized care; assesses and observes patients; communicates and documents relevant information; helps prevent and respond to crises; and participates in therapeutic groups and patient treatment programs. The role also supports patient safety, privacy, quality assurance, infection control, and effective teamwork. This is a non-management position reporting to a supervisor, manager, director, or executive.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, or a post-secondary degree in a related field of study.
No previous experience required.

Nice To Haves

Acute inpatient hospital care or long-term care experience.

Responsibilities

Provide direct, individualized care to voluntary and involuntary psychiatric and/or chemically dependent patients of all ages, considering developmental needs, safety, comfort, and the therapeutic environment.
Interact with assigned patients and assess their level of functioning and mental status.
Observe, collect, and communicate relevant patient information verbally and in the medical record; document promptly, legibly, accurately, and according to hospital and unit procedures.
Monitor patient distress, anxiety, and agitation to reduce or prevent incidents, and respond to crises or codes using de-escalation and de-stimulation techniques.
Attend and/or facilitate therapeutic groups and psycho-educational programs, using appropriate psycho-therapeutic techniques.
Maintain patient confidentiality and protect patient privacy and dignity.
Build positive relationships with team members, communicate effectively, and respond promptly and appropriately to inquiries and requests from patients, physicians, and staff.
Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of patient treatment programs and offer suggestions for improving unit and facility processes.
Follow departmental policies and procedures and maintain quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.
Inform the Charge Nurse or direct supervisor about activities, issues, or concerns that may affect patient safety or the therapeutic milieu.
Collect and document vital signs, weigh patients, and collect routine or clean-catch urine, stool, sputum, and other specimens as assigned.
Perform point-of-care testing when trained and delegated by an RN, document work in the medical record, and inform the RN of activities performed.
Attend staff meetings, annual in-services, and mandatory educational experiences; keep abreast of current psychiatric issues and methods.
Perform other duties as assigned.