Technician, Psychiatry - New York - One Brooklyn Health

Description

Psychiatry Technician

The Psychiatry Technician is a vital member of the multidisciplinary team, reporting directly to the Assistant Head Nurse/Charge Nurse. This role requires providing direct patient care while fostering a healthy emotional environment.

Responsibilities:

• Create and contribute to a positive atmosphere by collaborating with patients and staff.
• Work effectively with patients exhibiting various symptoms of emotional disturbance.
• Closely plan daily activities with staff and patients to ensure optimal care.
• Establish therapeutic relationships as directed by healthcare professionals.
• Record pertinent data in a narrative format regarding patient activities, countersigned by a Registered Professional Nurse.
• Assist with special procedures as instructed.
• Participate in unit meetings and discussions relevant to patient care.
• Maintain a safe and comfortable environment for patients.
• Ensure adherence to policies and procedures designed to safeguard patient comfort and well-being.
• Provide direct care to assigned patients, addressing cleanliness, grooming, rest, nutrition, and elimination needs.
• Contribute to maintaining a clean, comfortable, and healthy physical environment.
• Promote the smooth functioning of the unit by securing necessary supplies and transporting patients as required.
• Accurately record vital signs, I&O, and other patient care activities in the electronic health record.
• Consistently report observations and changes in patient condition to nurses and document in the EHR.
• Apply appropriate precautions when caring for isolated patients and maintain universal precautions during all patient interactions.
• Adhere to the observation level defined by the registered nurse and document responsibilities.
• Comply with restraint policy and participate in restraint management and observation.
• Identify and document patient belongings in the Patient Property sheet.
• Collect specimens (e.g., urine, sputum, stool) as assigned and label correctly.
• Perform messenger duties off-unit as required.
• Function as an integral part of the nursing care team, contributing to patient care planning.
• Collaborate in maintaining a clean and safe patient environment.
• Foster improved customer relations with patients and their families.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings.
• Facilitate or conduct therapeutic groups as assigned.
• Conduct point-of-care testing (POCT).
• Maintain a culture of safety through proper patient identification using two identifiers and accurate documentation.
• Perform 12-lead electrocardiograms (EKGs).
• Obtain blood specimens through phlebotomy and document in the electronic medical record.
• Comply with organizational-wide policies and procedures.
• Respect and adhere to the Patient Bill of Rights.
• Participate in performance improvement (PI) data collection activities as directed.
• Complete additional tasks as assigned to support the position.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Coursework in Patient Care preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum one year Behavioral Health experience or equivalent required.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Mathematical and computer skills are essential.
• Able to work collaboratively as a team player, demonstrating respect and professionalism.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Able to see, hear, read, and write English fluently.
• Ability to fully utilize BHMC's electronic health record systems and other relevant systems.

Licenses, Certifications:

• Certificate from an approved Patient Care Technician program required.
• Or both EKG and Phlebotomy certifications required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• This role operates in a physically demanding, high-stress environment.
• Occasional exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions.
• Full range of body motion, including handling and lifting patients.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods.
• Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Corrected vision and hearing within normal ranges.
• Frequent sitting at a desk working on a computer.