TECHNICAL PARTNER- ADOLESCENT INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH\"

Independence Health System Careers•Latrobe, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Partner provides direct and indirect patient care for adolescent inpatient behavioral health patients in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care. The role assists with activities of daily living, collects and reports patient-care information, observes and documents patient behaviors, supports patient activities and groups, and communicates relevant information to registered nurses and other care providers. The position helps maintain a safe care environment through patient observation, safety checks, contraband checks, crisis intervention, and support with restraint or seclusion using the least restrictive means. It also supports infection control, regulatory compliance, unit supply management, performance improvement, specimen handling, and continuous survey readiness. The incumbent may be scheduled across rotating shifts and may be required to travel locally between system locations.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or higher level of education.
Strong leadership ability and good 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.
Behavioral management and group leader capabilities.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through an American Heart Association-approved CPR and AED curriculum, or ability to 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 studies with at least one semester of clinical experience, or prior experience in a related field.
Computer skills.
Phlebotomy experience.
EKG experience.

Responsibilities

Provide direct and indirect patient care in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, shaving, feeding, ambulating, enemas, oral hygiene, and dressing.
Collect, document, and report ongoing patient-care data, including vital signs, meal consumption, and behavioral observations.
Report patient readiness to learn to the RN and assist with education and care activities that promote health, self-care, and improved outcomes.
Plan and initiate patient activities, encourage attendance, facilitate or assist with groups, and document observations during group and activity sessions.
Collaborate with other health care providers to support desired outcomes and continuity of patient care.
Communicate actual or potential problems to the professional nurse and provide pertinent information during shift reports and transfers.
Safely escort patients to appropriate departments and activities.
Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills, seek supervisor assistance when appropriate, and follow the chain of command.
Serve effectively as a preceptor to new hires.
Assist with compliance with State, JCAHO, OSHA, and other regulatory requirements, and help maintain survey readiness.
Follow infection-control practices, including standard precautions.
Inventory, order, and maintain supplies on the assigned unit.
Participate in unit performance-improvement activities.
Promote patient safety, use two patient identifiers before care, and assume an appropriate team role during code situations or mock codes.
Help maintain a safe and clean environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
Collect, identify, label, and deliver specimens to the appropriate department.
Support limited restraint use in accordance with standards and document according to policy.
Perform patient observation and unit safety checks, check patient and visitor belongings for contraband, and maintain required logs and checklists.
Use principles of non-violent crisis intervention; attend the yearly crisis intervention class; observe and report increasing agitation; and assist with handling, restraint, or seclusion using the least restrictive means when needed.
Use the panic button and contact security for assistance as needed.
Understand the mental health/mental retardation commitment process and Patient Bill of Rights, and explain the difference between voluntary and involuntary commitment.
Perform other duties as assigned.