Psychiatric Technician - ED

Parkland Health; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking healthcare provider dedicated to community well-being and patient-centered care. This role involves providing essential support to nursing staff and ensuring a safe environment for patients. You will engage directly with patients, assisting with their needs and monitoring their health status. Ideal candidates will have a background in healthcare, strong communication skills, and a passion for patient advocacy. Be part of a legacy that has served the community for over 125 years, where your contributions will make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Qualifications

• Preferred education includes an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in healthcare.
• Experience in a healthcare setting or as a psychiatric technician is required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure patient safety by monitoring activities and providing direct care.
• Assist nurses and health team members in handling patient care needs.

Skills

Patient Care Skills

Clerical/Administrative Duties

Communication Skills

Client Management Methods

Heavy Lifting

Education

Associate's Degree in Healthcare

Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Heartsaver CPR Certification

SAMA Certification

Job description

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.

Primary Purpose

Provides assistance and monitoring of patient activities and procedures, under the direction of a registered nurse, ensuring a safe and secure environment for both patients and employees.

Minimum Specifications

Education

Associate's Degree in a healthcare related field preferred.

Bachelor's Degree in a healthcare related field preferred.

Experience

One year of experience in a healthcare setting, OR

One year of experience as a psychiatric technician, OR

One year of experience as a residential treatment/group home worker, OR

A nursing student who has had basic fundamentals of nursing.

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

High School Diploma or Equivalent (1 year experience) required OR

High School Diploma or Equivalent (CNA - Certified Nurse Aid certification) required.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

Must have a current Heartsaver CPR course completion card within 90 days of hire and/or placement in job from one of the following:

• American Heart Association
• American Red Cross Rescuer
• Military Training Network

Must obtain Satori Alternatives for Managing Aggression (SAMA) certification, level 1-4, within 60 days of hire. Must have in place prior to first clinical orientation shift.

Skills or Special Abilities

Must be able to demonstrate basic patient care skills, clerical/administrative duties, and the use of supplies and assigned equipment.

May be required to handle aggressive patients using Client Management methods.

Must be able to do some heavy lifting and moving. Must be able to communicate effectively with departmental personnel, other hospital personnel, physicians, patients and families.

Must be able to demonstrate patient-centered/patient-valued behavior.

Responsibilities

1. Provides a safe environment for patients, nurses, doctors and others by collecting firearms from patients and officers, scanning patients, securing sharp items, and physically restraining uncooperative patients to minimize the risk of injury to patients, property and others. Monitors and assesses patients’ physical and emotional status, applying Client Management procedures as necessary (including the restraining and secluding of patients when appropriate), to provide a safe, stable environment for all patients.
2. Provides direct patient care, including recording vital signs, phlebotomy tasks, monitoring patients’ dietary intake, monitoring and recording sleep behaviors, to ensure optimal patient healthcare management consistent with the Parkland mission of patient-centered/patient-valued care.
3. Monitors ongoing patient status and responds to a patient's change in condition by notifying and assisting nurses and other health team members in handling patient care needs.
4. Collects, stores, documents, and secures patient valuables and non-valuables to facilitate the administration of patient services.
5. Interviews, counsels, and advises patients of their rights, while establishing and maintaining rapport with the patient.
6. Cleans patients, patient possessions, and patient areas to comply with established cleanliness standards.
7. Transports patients to and from test locations, and transports medicines and other items to help service patients during their stay.
8. Monitors and documents patient behaviors and care given to patients in seclusion, restraint, or on 1:1 to reduce the risk of injury to the patient, and provide a record of the patients' behavior.
9. Serves as a patient advocate by responding to a patient's needs and special requests. Maintains open communication, and honors patient's rights and confidentiality, while providing optimum service to patients.
10. Maintains the confidentiality of patient information obtained in the performance of the job, while adhering to established policies and procedures for communicating patient information, to protect the privacy of the patient.
11. Conducts security rounds, inspects patient rooms for contraband, and performs quality management audits, as requested, to ensure the safety of patients and employees.
12. Maintains a positive working relationship with management, employees, outside agencies, and other hospitals to ensure effective communication and cooperative working relationships.
13. Works directly with Charge Nurse and RN's carrying out special orders and providing assistance to meet the needs of patients.
14. Performs all other duties as assigned by manager or manager's designee.

Job Accountabilities

• Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status. As part of our commitment to our patients and employees’ wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.