UNIT DESCRIPTION:

2nd Floor - Adult Psychiatric Unit (APU)

The APU unit will be a 36-bed secured unit that offers psychiatric stabilization through medication management, group and individual therapy, and referral services. Lengths of stay will remain relatively brief, normally a few days. Patients will be voluntary, lower acuity and lower risk. Accordingly, they will be very treatment-engaged. To meet their needs, we are looking for service-oriented staff who exhibit exceptional customer service. This unit offers a unique opportunity for staff to treat patients with psychiatric diagnoses who are motivated to find long-term solutions.

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse, assists in the provision of basic nursing care to mental health patients, and maintains a safe and clean environment.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Consistently supports the hospital’s Spirit of Serving Standards, in line with the Mission, Vision and values of St. Joseph Medical Center.

2. Follows the guidelines related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), designed to prevent or detect unauthorized disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI).

3. Promotes a culture of safety for patients and Associates through proper identification, proper reporting, documentation and prevention of medical errors in a non-punitive environment.

4. Make environmental rounds with incoming shift daily. Responsible for environmental log sheet. Keep patient room unit environment neat and orderly.

5. Takes vital sign and blood sugar as ordered. Responsible for reporting abnormal readings to charge nurse. Responsible for documenting vital signs in the medical record.

6. Monitors hallways according to Behavioral Department guidelines; make rounds every 15 minutes with close attention to special precautions.

7. Maintains safety in milieu by staying on the unit and engaging patient in a therapeutic interaction or activity, especially during free time.

8. Search patient belongings and do visual body search on admission, using the wand. Responsible for documentation of patient valuables and belongings.

9. Reports to Registered Nurse any observed changes in behavior or condition of patients and unusual incidents.

10. Responds effectively with a patient at the defensive level with a directive approach by setting limits, making sure limits are clear, simple and enforceable.

a. Limit setting should be done objectively and in a non-threatening manner.

b. Understand and execute de-escalation for potential acting out behavior.

11. Understand and execute seclusion/restraint guideline; is aware of patient rights related to these emergency situations.

12. Provides and assists with safety for patients and peers when performing 1:1 for the assault risk patients by placing

themselves between the assigned patient and his peers at all times.

13. Daily assessment of patient needs and ADL; assists as needed.

14. Prepare patients for meals, check for correct tray, serve and assist with meals and snacks.

15. Transports patient to/from various departments. Collects and transports specimens to the correct department as needed.

16. Initiates or assists basic life support when needed.

17. Utilize appropriate tone, volume and cadence in all interactions.

18. Supportive of the compliance program set forth by IASIS and demonstrated by:

19. Sets an example to all staff in their daily activities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• At least two years of experience working with mental health patients.

LICENSE/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION:

• American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• CPI (Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training Program) certification required within 30 days of hire

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

• High school graduate or G.E.D.

SKILLS:

• Technical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills relevant to Behavioral Medicine in order to effectively communicate with physicians, team members, patients and families.
• Able to communicate effectively, in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Must demonstrate a caring and friendly attitude towards patients and customers.
• Demonstrates good body mechanics and lifting techniques.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of preventive management of aggressive behavior.
• Understands impact of laws affecting mental health care.

For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see following description.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising client care.