Psychiatric Technician -Days

Parkland Health

About The Position

The Psychiatric Technician assists with and monitors patient activities and procedures under the direction of a registered nurse, helping maintain a safe and secure environment for patients and employees. The role provides direct patient care and monitoring, supports nurses and other health team members, and protects patient rights, confidentiality, and dignity. The schedule is listed as full-time, 3/12 (36 hours per week), 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., with rotating weekends and holidays.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One year of experience in a healthcare setting, or one year of experience as a psychiatric technician, or one year of experience as a residential treatment/group home worker, or completion of basic nursing fundamentals as a nursing student, or successful completion of Parkland’s job-specific training program.
A current Heartsaver CPR course completion card from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross Rescuer, or Military Training Network within 90 days of hire and/or placement in the job. The card must have an expiration date more than 30 days from the date of hire; course completion certificates do not substitute for this requirement.
Obtain Satori Alternatives for Managing Aggression (SAMA) certification, level 1–4, within 60 days of hire and before the first clinical orientation shift.
Demonstrate basic patient care skills, clerical/administrative duties, and the use of supplies and assigned equipment.
May be required to handle aggressive patients using Client Management methods.
Ability to do some heavy lifting and moving.
Communicate effectively with departmental and other hospital personnel, physicians, patients, and families.
Demonstrate patient-centered/patient-valued behavior.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in a healthcare-related field.
Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field.

Responsibilities

Maintain a safe environment by collecting firearms, scanning patients, securing sharp items, and physically restraining uncooperative patients when necessary.
Monitor and assess patients’ physical and emotional status and apply Client Management procedures, including restraint or seclusion when appropriate.
Provide direct patient care, including recording vital signs, performing phlebotomy tasks, and monitoring and documenting dietary intake and sleep behaviors.
Monitor patients’ status and notify and assist nurses and other health team members when a patient’s condition changes.
Collect, store, document, and secure patient valuables and non-valuables.
Interview, counsel, and advise patients of their rights while establishing and maintaining rapport.
Clean patients, patient possessions, and patient areas according to cleanliness standards.
Transport patients to and from test locations and transport medicines and other items as needed.
Monitor and document patient behaviors and care for patients in seclusion, restraint, or on 1:1 observation.
Advocate for patients by responding to their needs and requests, maintaining open communication, and respecting their rights and confidentiality.
Protect patient information in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Conduct security rounds, inspect patient rooms for contraband, and perform quality management audits as requested.
Maintain positive working relationships with management, employees, outside agencies, and other hospitals.
Work directly with the Charge Nurse and RNs to carry out special orders and assist with patient needs.
Perform other duties as assigned by the manager or manager’s designee.
Identify ways to improve work processes and customer satisfaction, make recommendations, and implement and monitor results as appropriate.
Stay current with developments and trends in the field through professional learning and participation, and apply relevant knowledge to work practices.
Maintain knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines; support effective internal controls and seek guidance as needed.