Behavioral Health Technician - ED Behavioral Health Unit - Per Diem

Department Description

The Behavioral Health Emergency Department (BHED or Zone C) is a locked unit attached to a traditional ED for patients with complex medical and behavioral attributes. We have a robust support team, including psychiatric trained nurses and Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatrists, and a multitude of behavioral health trained support roles (technicians, sitters and security personnel). Zone C psychiatrically stabilizes patients and discharges them to them back into their community, usually with additional supports and resources.

Position Description

The Behavioral Health Technician promotes the safety, health and comfort of patients, families and staff in Zone C (Emergency Department) as related to the care of behavioral health/ psychiatry patients in the Emergency department. The Behavioral Health Technician's primary assignment is Zone C of the Emergency Department.

Patient Care:

• Assists the Registered Nurse in collecting data of the patient during the intake/ admission process for behavioral/ psychiatric patients.

• Completes an inventory of personal items and appropriate wanding of patient/ belongings upon arrival. Acts as part of the care team conducting supervised clothing change. Secures as per department standard and returns personal items at the completion of the visit.

• Communicates to the team observations of the environment and patient indicators that a patient is escalating or at increased risk for agitation/ aggression or harm to self.

• Works to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment while maintaining boundaries for patients, families and staff.

• Supports visitation guidelines and policies as established by department and hospital.

• May be assigned to the role of intermittent/ roving patient care partner as determined by the primary RN assigned to care area and the shift charge RN

• Assists patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (bathing, dietary, escorting patient off unit, etc.

• Completes patient documentation as appropriate

• Obtains vital signs/ weights as delegated by Registered Nurse. In the event there are no patients in Zone C may support the main ED triage function as assigned by the charge nurse

• Helps in application and removal of physical restraints when directed to apply by the attending medical provider or primary nurse

• Collaborates as a member of the care team to: Contribute to the safe level of observations, Contributes to the development and implementation of an individualized care plan as part of the care team. Does not independently develop or act on a care plan that is not vetted by the licensed team. Holds patients accountable for limits and boundaries as developed by the team, Effectively utilizes knowledge and application of de-escalation techniques

• Assists with procedural holds as directed by MD, Provider and/or RN

• Obtain and test specimens (e.g. blood glucose, urine, pharyngeal swabs, etc.; 1 and 2 step point of care tests)

• Perform EKGs

Operations & Environment:

• Rounds continuously to observe for and early intervention of escalating situations. (Needs rephrasing)

• Ensures department has minimal hallway clutter and obstructions

• Maintains the environment of care

• Completes daily safety checks and restocking function (equipment, restraints, supplies)

• Participates in post restraint huddle

Customer Service:

• Establishes effective relationships with patients, families, staff and external customers/ consultants to the team.

Quality:

• Is accountable for departmental and hospital quality and safety initiatives and goals.

• Demonstrates knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families.

• Values cultural diversity and other individual differences in the workforce.

• Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with Connecticut Children's standards.

• Performs other related responsibilities as assigned.

• Education Required: High School diploma or GED required

• Experience Required: Minimum of one year (1) experience in pediatric emergency department or psychiatric/ behavioral health unit.

• BLS CPR for Healthcare provider, required upon hire and maintained current at all times

• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) certification required within 3 months of hire and maintained current at all times (use this same language in the patient care partner JD)