Psychiatric Technician, 6 Ridgeway, Full Time, 12 Hour AM-AFSCME

UC Health • Cincinnati, OH

13d • Onsite

About The Position

UC Health is hiring a Psych Tech-Psychiatric Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW) for the 6 Ridgeway Psychiatry for the varies shift at UC Medical Center. This is a 20 bed, mixed Geriatric/Psychiatric co-ed unit which focuses on the treatment of older adults, many of whom are 55 and older, with primary psychiatric diagnoses. As part of the Clifton Campus of UC Health, Greater Cincinnati’s academic health system, University of Cincinnati Medical Center has served Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for nearly 200 years. Each year, hundreds of thousands of patients receive care from our world-renowned clinicians and care team. Our experts utilize the most advanced medical knowledge and technology available, providing a level of specialty and subspecialty medical care that is not available anywhere else in Greater Cincinnati. UC Medical Center is also home to medical breakthroughs- our physician experts conduct basic, translational and clinical research, leading to new therapies and care protocols, and connecting patients to the latest and most advanced treatments. UC Medical Center houses Greater Cincinnati’s only Level I adult trauma center, which includes the right mix of specialist and medical resources available at a moment’s notice for a wide variety of the most complex medical conditions and injuries. Become part of the only Psychiatric Unit in Southwest Ohio where you can gain exposure to a variety of diagnosis in behavioral health. You will also have the opportunity to see things you won’t see anywhere else and the chance to treat patients that other institutions don’t accept.

Requirements

• High School diploma/GED.
• Six months direct patient care experience in psychiatric setting or equivalent college-level coursework in nursing/psychology/social work.
• For employees working in UCMC Psychiatric Services, NCI-APS (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention with Advanced Physical Skills) Certification must be obtained within 90 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant college coursework.
• STNA certification.
• College-level coursework in nursing/psychiatry/social work.
• Specialized training in phlebotomy, vitals signs, and assistance with activities of daily living experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining a therapeutic milieu and a safe environment for all psychiatric patients on the unit.
• Performing selected duties under the direction of the Registered Nurse, to ensure quality patient care.
• Engaging in population appropriate communication.
• Having knowledge of growth and development milestones and tasks.
• Giving clear instructions to patients/family regarding treatment.
• Involving family/guardian in the assessment, initial treatment and continuing care of the patient.
• Identifying any physical limitations of the patient and deploying intervention when necessary.
• Recognizing and responding appropriately to patients/families with behavioral health problems.
• Interpreting population related data and planning care appropriately.
• Identifying and responding appropriately to different needs resulting from unique psychological needs or those associated with religious / cultural norms.
• Performing treatments, administering medication or operating equipment safely.
• Recognizing and responding to signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect.
• Establishing a therapeutic milieu and providing a safe environment for all psychiatric patients.
• Monitoring the unit for safety at all times, maintaining a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, managing patient's behavior, preparing room for patient's arrival, orienting patients to the unit, checking belongings for hazardous objects or weapons, securing all belongings in designated areas, provide routine bed checks and secure areas.
• Providing clinical duties as directed by Registered Nurse, which may include: NIPPAS for vital signs and daily weights, phlebotomy, EKG, finger sticks, assistance with feedings, personal hygiene/grooming, ADL's, collecting meal trays and returning to dietary, clean dining area, provide clean linen and dispose of soiled linen, and assist with inventory control and distribution of supplies and equipment in the clinical areas and hallways.
• Co-leading treatment groups, i.e., Goals Group, Exercise Group, etc.
• Participating, organizing and directing social and therapeutic leisure time activities, i.e., Bingo, card playing, chess and activities in the Recreation Room.
• Observing individual behaviors and group interactions and reporting any major change in patient's behavior and/or medical condition to the RN.
• Initiating basic psychiatric interventions and providing appropriate redirection as needed.
• Using age-appropriate communication skills.
• Providing non-punitive limit setting, appropriate modeling and reinforcement as needed to meet the patient's emotional needs.
• Assisting in physical crisis management as needed and/or assigned.
• Participating in quality improvement activities.
• Attending staff meetings, in-service sessions, and crisis intervention programs.
• Performing other duties as delegated or directed by RN, Clinical Manager or Nursing Supervisor.
• Transporting patients to X-ray, EEG, MRI, clinic appointments, etc.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED