Behavioral Health Technician

Behavioral Health Technician

Location: Coldwater Regional Hospital, Coldwater, MI

Job Summary:

The Behavioral Health Tech is an individual who is trained to function under nursing supervision and assist the patient in meeting basic human needs. The Behavioral Health Tech role is designated as an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel. The Behavioral Health Tech is under the direction of the RN

Duties:

• Demonstrates knowledge of unit materials and equipment for patient care such as patient charts and 02 tanks. Empties linen bags, cleans patient care area after meals and activities.
• Assists in providing unit secretary support including copying, stocking of supplies and chart forms, maintaining adequate unit and patient room supplies.
• Understands emergency policy and procedures and reports all emergencies immediately.
• Completes Admission Procedures: greeting patient, opening bed, assisting into bed, educating to the call button locations, unpacks patient belongings and removes any contraband. Itemizes all belongings upon admission and documents them on the belongings sheet. Provides room and unit orientation to the patient.
• Completes Discharge Procedures: Packs patient belongings and transports patient to discharge area.
• Maintains an organized unit environment. Provides transportation of patients for off unit testing/procedures. Assists with getting patients to scheduled programming on time.
• Maintains equipment maintenance and cleaning such as: clean wheelchairs, thermometers, IV poles, bathtub etc. per cleaning schedule.
• Knowledge of and respects patients right.
• Collects and records patient care data such as intake and output on I&O record, calorie counts, weights and dietary intake.
• Observes patients and their environments and reports any obvious changes to the RN assigned to the patient.
• Collect and records patient vital signs (blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse, temperature). Reports and abnormalities to the RN immediately.
• Recognizes and reports changes in patient level of consciousness or behavior.
• Performs blood glucose monitoring.
• Reports all emergencies and crisis situations immediately and responds appropriately.
• Answers patient call lights and determines need and responds appropriately.
• Provides postmortem care through assisting to prepare the body and assisting family in collecting belongings.

Daily Care:

• Personal Daily Hygiene Needs : bed bath, partial bath, tub bath, hand washing, shower, back care, perineal care, routine hair, shampoo, oral hygiene, denture care, nail care, and shaving male patients.
• Nutrition/Hydration Needs : feeds patients, assists with feeding, collects and refills water pitchers, passed out patient snacks, verifies correct tray or snacks for patients.
• Elimination Needs : use of bedpan and urinal, assist with use of bedside commode, assist to the bathroom, apply disposable briefs, provide routine catheter care, assist with obtaining/preparation of specimens and insertion of glycerin suppositories, rectal stimulation, changing/emptying of ostomy appliances, after an assessment and plan of care have been established by the RN.
• Mobility Needs : changing bed positions (fowlers, semi-fowlers, Trendelenburg, prone, supine, side lying) assist with all transfers including bed to chair, chair to bed, stretcher transfer, wheelchair transfer, assist with patient lifting devices, demonstrates proper body mechanics, assist with crutch and walker walking and daily mobilization as directed.
• Safety measures : maintain a safe and clean environment, remaining attentive to environmental standards, provide privacy and warmth in all patient transfers, seek assistance as needed prior to transfer activities, keep bed in low position. Performs safety rounds on the patients and environment. Takes the appropriate action when unsafe situations are found. Uses side rails appropriately.
• Comfort measures : bedmaking (occupied/unoccupied), bed straightening, headrests, and knee rests as needed. Uses appropriate touch and language when communicating and/or assisting patients.
• Assists RN/LPN/MHP with seclusion and restraint interventions, provides appropriate application for wrist, waist, and ankles as directed. Assists with care for the patients in seclusion and restraints as directed.
• Performs all patient care responsibilities in accordance with age specific, life cycle and developmental needs as directed.
• Obtains, prepares, and transports urine specimens and other specimens as directed.
• Takes crash cart to needed area/room in an emergency situation.

Qualifications:

Completion of high school education Successful completion of an approved Nursing Aide course with certification of completion or a combination of 2 or more years of experience and education n in providing patient care. CPR-BLS Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Preferred Qualification: completion of medical assistant program Preferred Qualification: 1 year experience in working with the Mental Health population

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to tolerate exposure to dust, fumes, chemicals, temperature changes, and exposure to blood borne pathogens and bodily fluids. Must be able to attain all health requirements as identified by the organization (i.e., PPD, respirator training, vaccines, as appropriate). Must be able to move about hospital and between workstations; and prolonged periods of standing. Must be able to frequently move, lift or carry light to heavy patients or equipment. Must be able to lift medium materials, non-material handling; continuous standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching; frequent pushing, pulling and squatting. Must be able to appropriately provide care to patients with psychiatric diagnosis and behaviors in the clinical setting. OSHA Exposure Classification: As required by infection prevention and control policies.