Mental Health Worker - BWFH

Job Summary

The Mental Health worker is a member of the multidisciplinary team who, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, performs a variety of duties on the milieu that include direct patient care, patient monitoring, coordination of and execution of milieu groups, and monitoring the tone and activity of the unit to ensure a safe environment. Maintains current education for and is expected to provide for the ADLs of adult and geriatric patients.

Utilizes de-escalation strategies to assist patients with self-regulation within the mission of reduction of restraint/reduction on a DMH Licensed unit. The Mental Health Worker will also ensure the practice of the Patient and Family Centered Care Model in an environment that exemplifies best practice.

Does this position require Patient Care?

Yes

• PROVISION OF A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
• Follows unit maintenance and safety checks procedures at all times. Demonstrates accurate documentation of safety checks.
• Demonstrates proper management of "sharps" according to policy.
• Demonstrates understanding and management of patient privilege system.
• Able to recognize warning signs indicative of an increase in potential for violence against self or others.
• Prevents the use of restraint and seclusion by strategically intervening and effectively deescalating potentially violent situations.
• Understands the mission of restraint/seclusion reduction and maintains annual behavior management certification.
• Recognizes changes in patient behaviors and communicates them to the Clinical Leader/Charge Nurse.
• Demonstrates proper use of limit setting and behavioral intervention strategies.
• Anticipates and identifies safety risks and takes action by evaluating products, devices, and safety procedures.
• Trained to participate in the restraint/seclusion of patients when all other less restrictive measures have failed.
• Monitors patients in restraints, seclusion and/or provides constant observation according to policy.
• Manages and negotiates safe entry to and exit of persons from the locked unit.
• Demonstrates appropriate hand hygiene and follows infection control procedures.
• Demonstrates understanding of and utilizes appropriate therapeutic boundaries with patients, families, and co-workers.
• Maintains CPR certification.
• PATIENT CARE
• Accurately takes and records patient vital signs (T,P,B/P,R O2 sat) and weights. Notifies RN of abnormal findings.
• Notifies RN of any deterioration of the patient’s physical status (per RRT and stroke criteria).
• Collects and accurately labels specimens using 2 patient identifiers.
• Performs blood glucose monitoring and notifies RN of abnormal findings.
• Assists patients as needed with all necessary aspects of ADLs (bathing, laundry, organizing room, maintenance of nutritional/hydration needs, assistance with and monitoring of elimination needs).
• Assists patients with managing/organizing their time on the milieu.
• Assists in the admission process by performing a complete and accurate search of patient belongings. Labels and stores belongings according to unit policy.
• Maintains patient's personal belongings that are located in the "sharps" closet.
• Participates in the unit based group treatment program.
• Follows milieu care plans.
• Plans and engages patients through unit activities as coordinated with the charge nurse.
• Coordinates with the primary nurse and/or assigned nurse about patient care throughout the patient care assignment.
• Utilizes appropriate equipment for the management of patient's with physical disabilities (wheelchairs, geri-chairs, side rails, handicapped shower facilities, physical lifts).
• Identifies the unique needs and implements appropriate interventions for age specific populations.
• COLLABORATIVE INTERDISCIPLINARY CARE
• Collaborates with other…