Psychiatric Technician, Ridgeway AFSCME

Overview

UC Health is hiring a PRN Psych Tech-Psychiatric Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW) for the 6 Ridgeway Psychiatry for the varies shift at UC Medical Center. This is a 20 bed, mixed Geriatric/Psychiatric co-ed unit which focuses on the treatment of older adults, many of whom are 55 and older, with primary psychiatric diagnoses.

Cincinnati, OH, United States

• Minimum
  
  Required:
  
  High School diploma/GED. Preferred:
  Relevant college coursework.
• STNA certification preferred or college-level coursework in nursing/psychiatry/social work.
• Minimum
  
  Required:
  
  Six months direct patient care experience in psychiatric setting or equivalent college-level coursework in nursing/psychology/social work.
• Preferred:
  Specialized training in phlebotomy, vitals signs, and assistance with activities of daily living experience.
• For employees working in UCMC Psychiatric Services, NCI-APS (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention with Advanced Physical Skills) Certification must be obtained within 90 days of hire.

• Engages in population appropriate communication.
• Has knowledge of growth and development milestones and tasks.
• Gives clear instructions to patients/family regarding treatment.
• Involves family/guardian in the assessment, initial treatment and continuing care of the patient.
• Identifies any physical limitations of the patient and deploys intervention when necessary.
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to patients/families with behavioral health problems.
• Interprets population related data and plans care appropriately.
• Identifies and responds appropriately to different needs resulting from, unique psychological needs or those associated with religious / cultural norms. Performs treatments, administers medication or operates equipment safely.
• Recognizes and responds to signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect.
• Establish a therapeutic milieu and provide a safe environment for all psychiatric patients. The TPW, in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team, maintains a therapeutic milieu and a safe environment for all psychiatric patients on the unit. This includes monitoring the unit for safety, maintaining a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, managing patient behavior, orienting patients to the unit, checking belongings for hazardous objects or weapons, securing belongings, providing routine bed checks, and securing areas.
• Provide clinical duties as directed by the Registered Nurse. These assignments may include: NIPPAS for vital signs and daily weights, phlebotomy, EKG, finger sticks, assistance with feedings, personal hygiene/grooming, ADLs, collecting meal trays and returning to dietary, cleaning dining area, providing clean linen and disposing of soiled linen, and assisting with inventory control and distribution of supplies and equipment in clinical areas and hallways.
• Co-lead treatment groups (e.g., Goals Group, Exercise Group) and participate in organizing and directing social and therapeutic leisure activities (e.g., Bingo, card games, chess) in the Recreation Room. Observe individual behaviors and group interactions and report major changes in patient behavior or medical condition to the RN.
• Initiate basic psychiatric interventions and provide appropriate redirection as needed. Use age-appropriate communication skills. Provide non-punitive limit setting, appropriate modeling and reinforcement to meet emotional needs. Assist in physical crisis management as needed and/or assigned.
• Participate in quality improvement activities. Attend staff meetings, in-service sessions, and crisis intervention programs. Perform other duties as delegated or directed by RN, Clinical Manager or Nursing Supervisor.
• Transport patients to X-ray, EEG, MRI, clinic appointments, etc.