Mental Health Workers (MHW)

Job Title

Assisting in admission procedures.

Searching for contraband.

Orienting the patient to the unit/hospital environment.

Identifying and recording patient valuables.

Completing documentation requirements.

Communicating any significant changes in patient status and reporting all untoward patient actions or symptoms to the medical staff in charge to assure safety and continuity of care.

Supervising and supporting patients as necessary in bathing, showering, and other hygiene needs.

Maintaining awareness of patients' dietary needs and providing records of nutritional intake.

Monitoring and providing a safe and clean environment as prescribed by standards relating to fire safety and infection control.

Utilizing a supportive approach with anxious and agitated patients.

Identifying needs for walk groups or any other activities that will allow patients space to feel supported and to de-escalate potential situations that could create unsafe environments for staff and patients.

Demonstrating basic knowledge of patient histories and conditions.

Providing testimony during legal proceedings to provide support while maintaining patient confidentiality.

Implementing individualized plans of care by reinforcing treatment goals during daily, continual interactions.

Purposely observing patient behaviors by documenting objective data as well as subjective inference (i.e. suicidal tendencies, patient gait, medication side effects).

Escorting, supporting, and supervising patients at appointments, legal proceedings, home placements, and other activities as necessary to ensure patient safety.

Participating in quality improvement data collection and completing all mandatory review classes to maintain competencies.

Seeking out and appropriately utilizing supervision from the Nursing Coordinator or designee to ensure safe practices.

Maintaining current knowledge of hospital, departmental, and unit-based changes by participating in staff meetings and reading policies and procedures to maintain skill level.

Exploring opportunities to expand the scope of knowledge where applicable through continuing education.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

MHW, under the direction of an RN, carries out assigned tasks and provides direct service to patients/residents in an acute psychiatric care facility.

Documents Required:

BLS certification. from AHA or ARC only.

Covid-19 vaccinations.