Mental Health Technician (MHT)

Description Position Summary: Provides direct and indirect patient care under the direction of a RN or LPN/LVN. Provides for the personal care and comfort of psychiatric patients. Provides a safe, clean environment. Participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities. Position Responsibilities: Clinical / Technical Skills (40% of performance review) Performs and records patient vital signs, intake and output; notifies RN of any changes. Continuously observes patients' behavior, mental status and activities, notifies RN of any changes or unusual occurrences. Demonstrates the ability to identify behaviors that require intervention. Escorts patients when leaving the unit for activities, meals, visitation, and scheduled tests. Able to perform patient safety checks at scheduled times, documents appropriately. Able to assist with restraint (physical hold) of a patient, placing a patient in seclusion under the direction of the RN and utilizing CPI techniques and adherence to policy and procedure. Demonstrates the ability to set limits for patients and other de-escalation techniques. Documentation meets current standards and policies. Answers the telephone in a professional manner, directs calls appropriately, takes messages. Operates equipment safely and correctly Orients patients to the unit, takes admission vital signs and records on the Nursing Assessment Form and/or the EHR. Participates in treatment team meetings. Communicates appropriately and clearly to the Nurse Manager, RNs therapists and physicians. Perform 15-minute observation rounds and documents appropriately. Assists in the orientation of new staff members. Assists with therapeutic educational groups under the direction of the RN or Director of Clinical Services. Responsible for one-on-one observation and constant visual observation for high-risk patients. Responsible for assisting patients needing additional care related to medical needs. Monitors patient's compliance with pre- and post- procedure instructions, including ECT instructions, under the supervision of the RN. Provides general nursing care, i.e., transferring patients, assisting with ADLs, meals. Performs other duties as assigned. Safety (15% of performance review) Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members Follows all safety rules while on the job. Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly. Corrects minor safety hazards. Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace. Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety. Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives. Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality. Teamwork (15% of performance review) Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation. Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team. Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians. The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present