Emergency Psych. Tech

Overview:

The Emergency Psychiatric Technician (EPT) participates in the delivery of patient care to the psychiatric patient in crisis, under the supervision of an RN. The EPT will assist in providing, monitoring, and maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment. Other responsibilities include specimen collection, activities of daily living, behavioral management, crisis intervention, and implementation of patient treatment in accordance with physician orders, RN directives, hospital and unit specific policies and procedures, and defined standards of patient care and clinical practice. The EPT provides clinical patient care support in a caring, safe, and efficient manner, under the direction of an RN. 

• Responds appropriately in lifesaving situations.
• Monitor and maintain the therapeutic environment.
• Performs unit patient safety rounds every 15 minutes and documents.
• Participates in identification, management, and stabilization of crisis situations which may include deescalating combative patients.
• Assist in the implementation and documentation of seclusion and restraint episodes.
• Uses techniques taught in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Team Control when indicated in crisis situations.
• Performs venipuncture for specimen collection under the direction of an RN. Appropriately labels and ensures delivery to the clinical laboratory.
• Collect urine specimens on all patients and transports specimen to labs.
• Performs routine 12-lead electrocardiography testing under the direction of the RN.
• Assist the RN or RT with the placement of nasal cannulas.
• Performs vital signs and oxygen saturation monitoring as indicated per unit policy or as directed by the RN.
• Completes glucose monitoring as indicated and documents.

Education:

• High School Graduate or equivalent.
• Preferred: Completion of a recognized Clinical Assistant, Medical Assistant or EMT Training Program, or Nursing students who have completed Fundamentals of Nursing Course from an accredited School of Nursing. College course work in social and health sciences preferred.

Experience:

• Internal/External candidates:
• Preferred: Current Certification as a Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or be enrolled in an accredited School of Nursing with completion of Fundamentals of Nursing course. Medical terminology and computer skills preferred. LPNs may apply.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow detailed verbal, written and illustrated instructions; ability to write simple sentences, to complete forms, chart patient data, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, caregivers, other employees, and the general public.
• One year of experience in inpatient or emergency psychiatry or related area preferred.

Certification:

• American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR required.
• NVCI certification required, including team control and transport, upon hire and annually while an employee of psychiatric services.