TECHNICAL PARTNER- ADOLESCENT INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH"

Independence Health System•Latrobe, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Partner provides direct and indirect patient care to adolescents receiving inpatient behavioral health services, following hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care. The role supports patients with activities of daily living, collects and documents care data, observes and reports patient behaviors and condition, and assists with educational and therapeutic activities, including groups. The position works collaboratively with nurses and other health care providers to maintain continuity and safety of care. Responsibilities include communicating patient information, escorting patients, supporting crisis intervention using the least restrictive means, carrying out observation and safety procedures, and helping maintain a clean and safe environment. The Technical Partner also supports regulatory readiness, infection control, unit supply management, and performance improvement activities. The position requires rotating shifts and may involve standby or on-call scheduling based on operational needs. Local travel between system locations may be expected. Duties may change or be assigned as needed. When lifting more than 50 pounds, two-person assistance and/or a transfer device is required.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or higher level of education.
Strong leadership ability, organizational skills, independent and critical-thinking skills, and sound judgment.
Knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
Ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Ability to lead behavioral management groups.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through an American Heart Association-approved CPR and AED curriculum, or obtain it within five days of hire.
Act 33 clearance with renewal.
Act 34 clearance with renewal.
Act 73 FBI clearance with renewal.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a Nurse Aide or comparable program, such as EMT or Medical Assistant training, nursing student status with at least one semester of clinical experience, or prior experience in a related field.
Computer skills.
Phlebotomy experience.
EKG experience.

Responsibilities

Deliver direct and indirect patient care in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care.
Perform or assist with patient care needs and activities of daily living, including bathing, shaving, feeding, ambulating, oral hygiene, and dressing.
Collect, document, and report patient care data, including behavioral observations, vital signs, and meal consumption.
Support patient education and care activities that promote health, self-care, and improved outcomes; report patients’ readiness to learn to the RN.
Plan and initiate patient activities, encourage attendance, assist with groups, and document observations during group and activity sessions.
Communicate patient information and actual or potential problems to the professional nurse, including during shift reports and transfers.
Safely escort patients to appropriate departments and activities.
Use critical thinking and sound judgment, follow the chain of command, and refer patient questions and requests to the appropriate RN or supervisor.
Serve effectively as a preceptor for new hires.
Assist with regulatory compliance and survey readiness, follow infection-control precautions, maintain unit supplies, and participate in performance improvement activities.
Promote patient safety by using two forms of identification, supporting code or mock-code team activities, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and collecting and delivering specimens appropriately.
Support limited restraint use according to established standards and document as required; perform patient observations and unit safety checks and maintain required logs and checklists.
Use non-violent crisis intervention principles, recognize and report increasing agitation, and assist with handling, restraining, or secluding agitated patients using the least restrictive means.
Know how to use the panic button and contact security when needed.
Demonstrate understanding of the mental health/mental retardation commitment process and Patient Bill of Rights, including the differences between voluntary and involuntary commitment.
Perform other duties as assigned.