CNA
- Employer
- LifeStream Behavioral Center
- Location
- Leesburg, Florida
- Salary
- Open
- Posted
- Oct 25, 2016
- Closes
- Dec 24, 2016
- Industry
- Healthcare
- Category
- Healthcare, Nursing, Personal Care
- Hours
- Full Time
FUNCTION: The Behavioral Tech position is integral to the efficient functioning of the Inpatient Units. They will, by virtue of their role, have primary patient contact and, in that role, will have influence on patient treatment and progress. As such, Behavioral Techs are professional staff members with responsibility for maintenance of a secure therapeutic milieu in cooperation with a variety of disciplines, most importantly the nursing staff.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Learn and apply to the daily routine and the principles of mental health nursing. Observe all patients closely, at all times, never leaving patients unattended. Report all pertinent observations, changes in physical signs or symptoms, changes in emotional behavior and patient’s eating habits to the Charge/Unit Nurse. Observe and report patient’s reactions to visitors or telephone calls. Report feelings and ides expressed verbally by patients. Encourage patients to interact with other patients and staff, and to participate in the social life of the unit, including recreational and occupational therapy.
Assist Charge/Unit Nurse in the organization and execution of patient group activities. Help with the admission of patients, including taking vital signs, bath and shampoo, if necessary, body check, checking for hazardous objects, listing valuables and personal possessions, and orienting the patient to the unit. Take vital signs routinely, and as indicated by the Charge/Unit Nurse, and report any significant changes or elevations. Encourage patients to respect the rules and regulations of the unit and give physical and emotional support as it is needed. Encourage patients to meet their own physical needs such as showering, shaving, oral hygiene, grooming care of hair and manner of dress. Encourage maintenance of cleanliness and neatness in all living and recreational areas, and make sure all patient areas are clean, neat and uncluttered at the end of each shift.
Carry out assigned duties in caring for patients who require more than routine observation and care. Make checks at least every 15 minutes on patients confined to bed or in seclusion or restraints. Assist other nursing team members in the management of impulsive, violent or uncooperative consumers. Check any unusual sounds, report suspicious behavior of patients or visitors, report difficulties with visitors, check patient’s rooms for hidden hazardous objects or medications, and search and record items brought in to patients. Assist Unit Secretary and nursing personnel with discharge procedures, such as getting patient ready, gathering patients’ belongings and stripping patient’s beds.
Escort patients to areas outside the unit, as necessary. Never leave the unit without permission of the Charge/Unit Nurse, and then only if the Charge/Unit Nurse is not alone. There must be two personnel on the unit at all times. Prepare meals for patients, as necessary. See to it that all clothes are put away each morning in individual lockers. Participate consistently in all in-service training programs.
KNOWLEDGE AND JOB SKILLS: Must be able to effectively deal with psychiatrically impaired persons. Able to effectively communicate with medical personnel and have basic knowledge of psychiatric and physical problems. Demonstrate ability to read, write and exercise good verbal skills. Demonstrate skills that ensure safe patient care and have a clear understanding of client rights and crisis intervention skills.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Age Specific: Assessment, Interpretation, Interventions, Knowledge, Developmental Stages, Enhancement of Family Involvement
- Basic Job Readiness: Courtesy, Flexibility, Reliability, Responsiveness
- Personal Effectiveness: Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Self-Management, Thinking Skills
- Organizational/Management: Compliance, CQI Commitment, Leadership, Management of Information, Organizational Participation, Safety
- Performance Specific: Assessment, Crisis Management, Customer Focus, Empowerment/Advocacy, Medication Issues, Psychosocial Interventions, Treatment/Service Planning
JUDGMENT: Must have ability to use sound judgment under potentially stressful circumstances.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent. CNA required.
- Experience: Prior experience in a mental health setting is preferred, but may be waived given demonstrated desire for professional development through continuing education participation. Desirable to have experience working with psychiatric clients and children.
- Personal Qualities: Dependability and a calm, friendly approach to working with people. Must be honest, dependable and believe in emotional well being.
- Supervisory Responsibilities: None.
- Special Factors: Tenacious work ethic; computer literacy. Must demonstrate a calm, friendly approach toward residents and their families, as well as co-workers. Must have the ability to function as a team member.
- Essential Functions: Provides supportive resident care with assistance in daily living activities. Must have good organization and time management skills. Demonstrates the ability to maintain a safe environment for clients. Demonstrates accuracy in the observation recording of clients’ behavior and activity. Ability to successfully complete initial and annual Techniques for Effective Aggression Management (TEAM) physical restraint and verbal de-escalation training.
- Staff Development: Complete all annual training requirement of the position as specified by LifeStream Behavioral Center.