MENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN

• Assists with admission, transfer and discharge of patients. Answers call system promptly.
• Takes and records patients' temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, intake and output, and weight according to hospital procedure. Performs glucometer testing and bladder scans as requested.
• Assist in giving and teaching bed baths, shower, tub and partial baths. Gives therapeutic baths such as sitz, foot and temperature sponge bath. Assist in giving and teaching oral hygiene, hair care, nail care, and gives special skin care (includes back rubs).
• Makes open, closed and occupied beds.
• Does perineal care. Performs foley catheter care as directed by a nurse. May discontinue foley catheters upon the direct order of a nurse after successful completion of competency. Passes and empties bedpan; collects urine and stool specimens.
• Passes and collects meal trays as needed; passes and assists patients in obtaining nourishment between meals. Assists and teaches patients with meals. Refills patient’s water pitcher.
• Applies K-pad, ice pack. 
• Assists patients walking, crutch walking, with walker and transports patients to various hospital departments by wheelchair or stretcher. Assists patients up to chair. 
• Notifies nursing personnel of orders requiring immediate attention. Clarifies unclear orders with the nurse as needed.
• Demonstrates age appropriate competency skills and knowledge, ability to perform skills specific to patient population identified in unit specific skill list.
• Completes appropriate computer entry and/or requisition form and contacts other departments to schedule diagnostic tests, meals, therapies, etc., consistent with physicians order and/or nurses requests.
• Assembles patients’ chart for newly admitted unit patients and maintains current charts by filing physician orders and test results.
• Disassembles and routes patient charts to appropriate department upon discharge, transfer, expiration or as requested.
• Greets and directs patients and visitors, and orients patients to the unit.
• Answers telephone calls, responds to routine inquiries and relays other calls and messages. Responds to patients’ intercom calls and notifies appropriate personnel of patient’s requests.
• Contacts physician directly as requested by authorized personnel. Notifies physicians of patient room numbers, clarifies orders, etc.
• Responsible for knowing the lifting requirements of the job and requesting assistance when appropriate.
• Contacts various hospital departments in order to change schedules; arrange for patient transportation, unit cleaning or equipment repair; and to order physical therapy, supplies, etc.
• Performs related clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, running errands, completing patient census forms, ordering stationary and pens, fax machine, etc.
• Maintains a professional approach with confidentiality.  Assures protection and privacy of health information as attained through written, electronic or oral disclosures.
• Displays concern and initiative.  Is resourceful and calm in emergencies.
• Is prompt and efficient with minimal absences. 
• Cooperates and maintains good rapport with nursing staff, medical staff, other departments, and visitors.
• Seeks guidance and remains knowledgeable of, and complies with, all applicable federal and state laws, as well as hospital polices that apply to assigned duties.
• Complies with hospital expectations regarding ethical behavior and standards of conduct.
• Complies with federal and hospital requirements in the areas of protected health information and patient privacy.

Requirements

Working Conditions

Miscellaneous