Psychiatric Technician, PRN- Youth Residential Treatment Program

University of Utah Health•Salt Lake City, UT

18h•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for psychiatric patients and assists with the provision of basic patient care needs. The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. This is a PRN (as needed) position with a variable schedule. No benefits are provided.

Requirements

Six months of behavioral health or direct patient care experience; may include CNA, MA, HCA, Teacher’s aide or assistant.
Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.
Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Ability to recognize when a patient is having an adverse reaction to medication and report it in a timely manner to the Registered Nurse.
Ability to assess a patient that can possibly hurt himself/herself and others and report this information to the Registered Nurse, and has the ability to assist with restraints and seclusion.
Interpersonal skills to acquire the trust of the patients and respond appropriately in a crisis situation.
Ability to utilize the principles of group dynamics when co-leading a group to facilitate the development of social, behavioral, and communication skills among group members.
Knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.
Knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.
Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skill.

Responsibilities

Assists with maintaining a safe and hazard free environment by observing and documenting patient behavior, conducting patient room searches, reporting unsafe conditions and applying appropriate emotional and physical support.
Performs or assists with the admission of new patients by gathering routine information for nursing assessment, searches patients and personal effects for contraband, documents personal effects and other appropriate information.
Orients the patient and patient's family to the facility and the policies and procedures.
Escorts the patients to off-unit appointments and activities using therapeutic interventions to ensure the safety of the patient, hospital staff, and other University patients and visitors.
Assists with providing a therapeutic milieu for patients by encouraging patients to participate in recreational activities and group therapies.
Assists with supportive therapy for select patients by leading activity and conversation groups.
Assists in the development of patient behavioral contracts.
May function as a preceptor to new Psychiatric Technicians and assists level staff.
Assists with the unit's training and quality assurance programs.
Provides an annual educational in-service to co-workers.
Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team.
Assists with initiating and contributing to patient treatment planning, teaching and discharge planning.
Participates in patient care team conferences by sharing observations of patient's progress toward identified goals and assists the primary Registered Nurse with the development, evaluation, and revision of patient care plans.