Mental Health Assistant
Current* Engaging with 18-26 patients who are receiving acute mental health services in a locked Psychiatric Care unit within the hospital.* Crisis intervention including de-escalation techniques, physical restraints, etc., and respondingduress alarms when patients need crisis management. Responding appropriately to unpredictable situations to ensure the safety of patient(s), staff, and self. * Performing daily rounds to account for every patient on unit every 15 minutes monitoring for patient safety and accountability, managing daily milieu, environmental and safety checks of unit.* Upon admission person and belongings search for safety, inventorying patient belongings. Orienting and familiarizing patients to the unit and unit rules, obtaining vitals signs including height and weight. Monitor daily living tasks needs such as meals, hygiene, etc. * Coordinating with unit RN with any critical vitals and observations for safety.* Collaborating with medical, psychiatry, and social work management teams to carry out treatment plans, doctor’s orders assuring quality plan execution.* Obtaining and charting patient daily vital signs, documenting input and output (I/O), and completion and assistance if needed to carry out daily activities of life (ADLs).* Observation of patients who demonstrate the need of 1:1 (Continuous Observation) staffing for safety risk to themselves or others such as falls, poor boundaries, or other behaviors, and as a medical intervention requiring a 1:1 for safety due to receiving IV fluids presenting a ligature risk and risk for pulling out lines.* Assessing and documenting patient behaviors and cares, interventions utilized, and patient response. * Coordinating with nursing on any changes in behavior, safety concerns, environment, and condition.* Facilitating multidisciplinary groups such as Community Meeting and coping skills.* Mentoring new hires along with other peers to achieve a healthy, safe milieu, and rewarding team environment.
