Job Overview
MAIN FUNCTION:
Renders patient care to meet the physical, psychological, spiritual, and social needs of patients. Participates in the development and maintenance of a therapeutic environment in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team. Reports to the Psychotherapist-Lead.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Functions as a member of the Therapy staff in providing quality therapeutic care in the following manner:
a. Assists therapy staff with patients Bio-psycho-social needs. Monitors the behaviors of patients. Accurately records and reports patient’s symptoms, verbalization, participation in activities and general progress.
2. Understanding of health-care intervention or programs as they relate to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with mental illness.
3. Understanding of diagnosis and intervention as related to psychiatric illnesses.
4. Provides direct patient care under the supervision of a Psychotherapy Lead by:
a. Interaction with patients in a therapeutically appropriate manner both within the milieu, group therapy setting and individually and promotes positive role modeling.
b. Adapts care to meet the special needs, i.e., physical disabilities and sensory deficits.
5. Participates, with other staff, in supervising visiting hours, observing interactions between patients and visitors, and reporting any unusual behavior (such as an increase in symptoms of pain, anxiety, SI, VI or HI) or suspected contraband, to the Charge Nurse.
6. Plans or participates/conducts program approved by Psychotherapy staff. Facilitates therapeutic activities in a professional manner at all times.
7. Assist in monitoring unit supplies and completes repots as required.
8. Performs light housekeeping duties such as maintaining neat and orderly patient areas.
9. Assists in the maintenance of a safe and therapeutic milieu for both patients and staff.
a. Serves as a role model for staff by his/her behavior within the environment.
b. Maintains milieu cohesiveness by:
1. Enforcement of unit rules.
2. Encouragement of patients to both attend therapeutic program activities and perform voluntary assignments.
c. Responds professionally to all emergencies – initiates Dr. White calls as needed.
1. Remains calm in crisis situations.
2. Initiates verbal interventions in an attempt to calm the agitated patient.
3. Assists with the behavioral management of the agitated patient under the supervision of the professional nursing staff.
10. Reports to appropriate supervising physician, information affecting patient safety and wellness 100% of the time.
a. Assists physicians on rounds as needed.
11. Participates in the health and therapeutic teaching of patients and their families and/or significant others and plans with social workers and/or community agencies for follow-up care where indicated. This may include the facilitation of family and agency collateral meetings. to ensure a safe discharge.
12. Interprets Behavioral Science Unit and Hospital policies to patients and families, including disaster policies such as Dr. Red, Dr. Yellow, Dr. Green (for patients who have eloped).
13. Adheres to the standards of confidentiality and supports the rights of patients.
14. Communicates in a professional and caring manner to patients, co-workers, family members, significant others, and community members, at all times.
15. Follows standard precautions as outlined in Hospital policies and procedures. Maintains CPR education on an annual basis per unit policy (BSU #3).
16. Promotes and fosters the mission and philosophy of the Hospital during performance of job duties and community activities.
17. Actively supports and participates in the Hospital’s Performance Improvement endeavors. Performs other related duties as assigned.
18. Is responsible for attending all annual mandatory educational programs as required by position.
19. Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer’s needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience with the Arnot Health.
20. It is understood that this job description lists typical duties for the classification and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned.
EDUCATION:
1. Associate Degree from an Accredited College or University in psychology or related field and a minimum of 3 years work related experience.
2. Bachelor’ s degree or 5 years experience preferred.
3. Successful completion of PMCS within 3 months of hire.
EXPERIENCE:
Prior psychiatric-inpatient or outpatient experience preferred. Training in patient crisis management and/or restraint application preferred.
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:
Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire date.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must NOT have any physical limitations that interfere with the control of an agitated patient. Standing, sitting, bending, pulling, lifting, and carrying medium weights throughout shift. May perform moderately difficult manipulative skills requiring accurate eye/hand coordination.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Empathy and sensitivity to needs of patients. Demonstrates understanding, patience, and tact in dealing with patients and visitors.
2. Ability to maintain good working relationships with Hospital personnel and medical staff.
3. Ability to function adaptively under stress and in emergency situations.
4. Remains current in psychological literature related to job requirements.
5. Excellent verbal and written abilities in communicating and compiling written reports. Strong organizational skills.
6. Alertness and skill in making observations and in reporting them.
7. Trustworthy in safeguarding confidential information.
8. This position requires total access to the medical record.
EXPOSURE CATEGORY:
Category I. Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.
