Marshall Pickens - Mental Health Specialist - Full-Time - Day - South Wing

Prisma Health•Greenville, SC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs direct patient care duties as assigned or delegated by the Charge Nurse to meet the physical, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of psychiatric and/or chemically dependent patients. Provides care to voluntary and involuntary patients of all ages and demonstrates knowledge of population-specific developmental tasks gained through training and experience. Performs basic nursing activities and other appropriate clinical responsibilities as delegated and as needed for the patient population served. The role includes attending to patients in a caring and therapeutic manner; assessing and observing assigned patients; communicating and documenting relevant information; supporting a safe therapeutic environment; responding to crises using de-escalation techniques; participating in therapeutic groups and treatment programs; and performing delegated clinical tasks such as collecting vital signs and specimens and conducting point-of-care testing when trained and delegated by an RN.

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 preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized, age-appropriate care to voluntary and involuntary patients while considering safety, comfort, and the therapeutic environment.
Interact with and assess assigned patients for level of functioning and mental status.
Observe, collect, and communicate relevant patient information verbally and through the medical record to other treatment team members.
Document patient care promptly, legibly, and accurately in accordance with hospital and unit procedures.
Monitor patients’ distress, anxiety, and agitation to reduce or prevent incidents.
Respond to patient crises and codes using de-escalation and de-stimulation techniques.
Attend and/or facilitate therapeutic groups and psycho-educational programs.
Use psycho-therapeutic techniques and apply knowledge of mental health principles and practices.
Maintain patient confidentiality and protect patient privacy and dignity.
Build positive relationships with team members and communicate effectively; respond promptly and appropriately to inquiries and requests from patients, physicians, and staff.
Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of patient treatment programs.
Provide input and suggestions to improve unit and facility processes.
Follow departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance programs, and 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 urine, stool, sputum, and other specimens as assigned or requested.
Perform point-of-care testing when trained and delegated by an RN, document the work in the medical record, and inform the RN of activities performed.
Attend staff meetings and participate in annual in-services and mandatory educational experiences.
Keep abreast of current psychiatric issues and methods.
Perform other duties as assigned.