MENTAL HEALTH TECH I

Under the direction of the Department Manager and supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), assists patients in the psychiatric, chemical dependency, youth, and geriatric programs.

Qualifications

Required:

American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers

Preferred:

Minimum one (1) year experience in health care as a CNA or equivalent clinical position

Current CNA certification with Nevada State Board of Nursing

Bachelor's Degree in Mental Health related field

• Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) certified, through the Sheriff's Department
• Successfully complete the Non-Violent Crisis Intervention within six (6) months of hire or position entry

Essential Functions

• Assists in nursing care for mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, cognitively impaired and/or those patients seeking treatment for chemical dependency.
• Assists patients in bathing, dressing, and grooming as needed. Encourages patients to maintain personal hygiene and keep living and group areas clean and orderly.
• Performs routine procedures per RN instructions such as collecting urine specimens, providing ice and heat packs, and assisting RN's with basic procedures (i.e. wound care, turning patients for physical exam, etc.)
• Orients patients to the hospital routine and environment. Encourages patient participation in our programs.
• Observes patients to protect from wandering, self-harm, and harming of others. Documents Q 15 minute checks, performs line of sight observation, and 1 to 1 observation.
• Documents and reports abnormal observations in behavior or physical condition to the RN and care team as necessary.
• Feeds patients or encourages them to eat. Documents and reports when patients reject food or drink or consume excessive food or drink.
• Escort patients to off-site medical, dental, or other approved appointments.
• Take and record patients' vital signs and report abnormal findings to the RN.
• Works effectively as a team member to provide efficient and therapeutic care for our patients.
• Is familiar with basic medical, psychiatric, and chemical dependency terminology.
• Responsible for accurate data entry when admitting and assigning patient rooms and patient types.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.