Job Summary

Under close supervision, responsible for providing a safe, supportive and therapeutic environment for psychiatric patients. Provides direct patient care and may conduct therapeutic group sessions under the direction and supervision of the RN. Provides input to the RN to help develop the plan of care and assists in carrying out the plan of care for assigned patients. Assists with the admission of new patients and orients new patients and families to the unit.


Responsibilities
· Assists with admissions, discharges, transfers, and appropriate documentation.
· Performs transportation responsibilities when requested; transporting patients from one area to another; delivering laboratory specimens, blood products, medications, and other hospital/medical items to the requested departments as needed; and includes access to the pneumatic tube system to transport items, including blood products and medications, to and from the tube and the desired location.
· Obtains vital signs on assigned adolescent adult and geriatric patients.
· Differentiates normal from abnormal findings and reports abnormal values or conditions to the RN.(EX. abnormal vital signs, safety concerns, family issues.)
· Provides care to patients in seclusion/restraint according to 27-10 regulations and department policy and procedure.
· Collects laboratory specimens on assigned patients as directed by RN staff.
· Is aware of legal aspects of care as defined by C.S. 27-10 including patients’ rights.
· Promotes positive interpersonal (customer) relationships with fellow employees, physicians, patients, and visitors. Treats these individuals with courtesy, dignity, empathy, and respect; consistently displays courteous and respectful verbal and non-verbal communications.
· Adheres to, complies with, and demonstrates support for the mission and values of Denver Health.
· Supports and adheres to the Denver Health Values of Trust, Respect, & Excellence.
· Ensures confidentiality of patient information by creating and maintaining a secure and trusting environment by not sharing information learned on the job, except when necessary in the performance of the job responsibilities or to improve a patient’s care.
· Adheres to Denver Health and departmental attendance guidelines.
·Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
· Demonstrates sensitivity in dealing with the psychiatric patient population which requires very specific communication skills as directed by the plan of care and ability to deal with milieu management.
· Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
· Skill in assisting patients with daily activities. Human relations and effective communication skills.
· Ability to demonstrate and maintain clinic competency.
· Ability to observe and document the patient’s behavior.
·Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.