Psychiatric Technician - Atrium Health Behavioral Health Charlotte - Ed/Obs- Ft Variable

Overview

Job Summary

The Psychiatric Technician is responsible for assisting the Registered Nurse in meeting needs of psychiatric or chemically dependent patients. Functions under supervision of the Nurse Manager, Supervisor, charge nurse or RN on the unit to which assigned.

Essential Functions

• Observes, reports, and documents signs and symptoms or changes in patient behavior to charge nurse.
• Participates in unit-based committees.
• Responds to patients with empathy, maintaining their dignity and confidentiality.
• Participates in unit-based process improvement activities.
• May include on-call duties as requested by administration.
• Assists, initiates, and participates in social and recreational activities, group therapy, patient teaching groups, and other group activities.
• All mandatory training as per facility policy.
• Uses CPI techniques appropriately.
• Demonstrates flexibility in changing workload.
• Interacts with patients therapeutically.
• Makes rounds on assigned patients at least every half hour during shift.

Physical Requirements
Works in patient care area with potentially combative or self-destructive patients, including behavior control areas. Each employee has the responsibility to work in a safe manner. Work requires walking, standing, lifting, reaching, handling of charts, supplies, equipment, blood, and body fluids.

Education, Experience and Certifications

High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree preferred. Relevant patient care experience in a hospital setting preferred. Good therapeutic communication skills required. CPI certification required within 90 days of hire date. BLS required per policy guidelines.