PSYCH AIDE/Per Diem Psych Aide

The Psychiatric aide is an integral member of the health care team who provides direct and indirect patient care activities under supervision of the Licensed Registered Nurse.  She/he shall demonstrate a sense of ownership of work process/taking and accepting responsibility for own actions, including but not limited to continually improving performance.

TASKS/PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:  List major duties (when possible, include approximate percentage of time expected to be spent on each.)  Also, specify the level and/or manner in which services are to be provided.  If applicable, include number and title(s) of employees supervised and scope of supervision provided.  If applicable, tasks/performance expectations should be grouped under the general categories of:  CLINICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, and/or SUPPORT.  Does this position require bilingual or multilingual skills?   [ ] Yes  [X] No.  If yes, specify language(s):

• Accept patient care assignments readily 
• Carry out duties as assigned
• Completes/assists patients to complete activities of daily living as needed.
• Maintains an awareness of patient’s needs, (food, fluids, physical and emotional comfort, toileting, etc.) and meet those needs that are within scope of job functions, Alert the nurse, when the patients’ needs supersede their level of training.
• Should be able to lift 50 pounds and use appropriate techniques when moving patient. 
• Collects accurate patient data and report findings to the Licensed Registered Nurse in a timely manner, etc., TPR, BP, height, weight, etc.
• Carries out special patient care procedures as assigned, i.e., administer, perform ROM, assist patient to ambulate, etc.
• If trained to do so, perform EKG’s on patients according to physician’s order.
• Collect specimens, i.e., urine, stool, sputum, etc.
• Maintains proper infection control practices according to policy and procedures, i.e., standard precautions, etc.
• Assists the nurse with patient admission, discharge, and/or transfer (i.e. NIBS-noninvasive body search).
• Introduces self appropriately (stating name and title) and communicates respectfully and effectively with patients/patient significant other, and health team members.  
• Reports significant observations, problems, and issues to the Licensed Registered Nurse, i.e. patient actions, incidents, patient requests, complaints, patient interactions with significant others, and staff, etc.
• Documents clear, accurate, and legible data on appropriate forms, i.e. level of observation board.
• Considerate of patient rights including but not limited to the right of confidentiality, privacy, and cultural and religious practices, values and customs and age specific needs.
• Performs all necessary care (within scope of practice) required of the patient population by age, stage of development and diagnosis.
• Maintains a basic understanding of the unit’s quality assessment, improvement and risk management activities.
• Participants in quality assessments and improvement, risk management and organization performance improvement activities as assigned, i.e. data collection, participation in fire and disaster drills, etc. 
• Maintains a safe and secure environment for patients. 
• Completes all mandatory in-service requirements within Department’s specific time frame.
• Attend other required in-service education programs and demonstrate learning through clinical performance.

(PLEASE CONTINUE AND COMPLETE ON REVERSE)

• Communicates ongoing learning needs to the Nursing Supervisor, Educator/Licensed Registered Nurse.
• Maintains current with changes in standard of practices, policies, procedures and demonstrate it in clinical performance.
• Participates in the Preceptorship of other Psychiatric aides.
• Recognize own limitations and seek help from appropriate sources.
• Float to another unit in a receptive manner when requested to do so.
• Demonstrates the safe, cost efficient and appropriate use of equipment and supplies.

Required Qualifications

• High School or Equivalency Diploma
• Ability to speak, read, and write English

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in psychiatric healthcare facility/setting desirable
• CPR Certification desirable