Psychiatric Technician (part time) Nights

Northwell Health•Norwalk, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides nursing care to a patient or group of patients under the direction and supervision of a Registered Professional Nurse. Leads groups & activities with patients. Norwalk Hospital is a 366-bed academic and community medical center serving Fairfield County, Connecticut, and the surrounding New York Metro area. We are a Level II Trauma Center and Joint Replacement Center of Excellence, and we provide advanced cancer, heart, and neuroscience care. At Norwalk Hospital, we prioritize the health and well-being of our team, fostering a friendly and supportive culture where collaboration and compassion are at the heart of what we do. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll experience a sense of community that makes our hospital a truly special place to work. Our employees feel a deep connection here because we’re not just part of the community – we are its center.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is required.
BLS/CPR required within 90 days of start date or upon completion of orientation process (before being released from orientation and functioning independently) whichever comes first.
CPI or other de-escalation technique training within 6 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

One year of work experience with psychiatric population preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides patient care as directed by the Registered Nurse. Prioritizes assignments in consultation with the RN and provides patient education related to the scope of practice.
Performs procedures as identified by the PT Skills Checklist; refers to and utilizes appropriate resources. Responds promptly to patient care needs.
Maintains a safe patient environment incorporating Norwalk Hospital Policies and Procedures.
Shows initiative in noting and offering assistance with unit needs.
Communicates with patients, visitors and coworkers within the scope of his/her responsibilities in a courteous manner and takes into consideration issues as it relates to mental status.
Observes and reports to the Registered Nurse information about their assigned patients, including changes in condition, behaviors, verbalizations, or any occurrences of an unusual nature, in a clear and timely manner.
Documents accurately patient data on appropriate paper forms and in the electronic medical record.
Obtains information necessary to carry out patient care assignment.
The Psychiatric Technician Admission Intake documents that consent forms were given, patient rights explained, unit orientation done and routines and roles of providers explained, etc., and that height, weight and vital signs were obtained and belongings were processed.
Progress notes provide information as it pertains to the patient's mental status and behaviors.
Documentation covers patient's expression of suicidal ideation, impaired thought processes, and perception that the patient has the potential for harm to self or others.
There is a verbalized knowledge regarding the appropriate use of restraints and that this knowledge is incorporated into practice.
There is verbalized knowledge regarding the proper care of patients in restraints.
There is a return demonstration at least annually to indicate that the PT can assist in application of restraints under direction of the RN in charge of the restraining.
There is verbalized knowledge regarding appropriate assessment of patients in restraints as it pertains to the role of psych tech and the restraint flow sheet is filled out appropriately.
Demonstrates the ability to appropriately set limits on patient behaviors, and the ability to respond and de-escalate patients with potential for violence.
Demonstrates the ability to conduct a contraband search assuring patient rights are maintained.
Exercises principles of confidentiality as it pertains to the behavioral health population.
Assesses the environment as it pertains to issues of safety.
Demonstrates the ability to lead / co-lead groups.
Leads or co-leads wrap up, goals, and activities groups.
Documents patients' participation in group.
Demonstrates knowledge of issues related to patient rights, including the requirements for the involuntary patient and documentation reflects this.
Assures that the patient is aware of their rights as evidenced by the documentation that these rights have been reviewed.
Identifies the learning needs of the patient / family and documents.
Provides information and instruction on the constructive behaviors and the importance of participating in the milieu, and documents this information as well as the patient's response to education.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Fulfills all compliance responsibilities related to the position.