Emergency Department- Behavioral Health Technician- 40hr

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. 
• 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 and/or Experience Required:

• 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.

License and/or Certification Required:

• 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)