CNA/Unit Secretary - Behavioral Health - Part Time - Day/Evening

Conducts and records safety inspection of each shift and reports necessary action to Charge Nurse.

Maintains unit safety related to sharps and dangerous objects. Assists in educating patients about safety issues through daily report and individual interactions.

Monitors patient area during mealtime. Provides assistance as needed

Provides immediate intervention for de-escalation of disruptive behavior and assists with placing patients in seclusion or restraint in accordance with established policies.

Maintains patient safety by performing patient checks as required, using the form provided. Reports any signs of increasing agitation or aggression, suicidal behavior, danger of elopement, violation of smoking rules, etc. to the Charge Nurse. Works cooperatively with others in intervening appropriately to maintain a safe environment.

Maintains patient limits or restrictions as established or directed.

Consistently and accurately performs patient, room, and belongings checks to assure a safe environment, e.g., awareness of restraints, risk to fall, frequent turning.

Carefully and safely handles patient’s clothing and other personal property (including sharps, prosthetic devices, hearing aides, dentures, glasses, contact lenses, etc.) from admission through discharge

Develops and maintains effective therapeutic relationships with patients and family members.

Assists with the admission, discharge, and transfer of patients. Orients patient and family to unit and unit milieu.

Assists patients with activities of daily living and hygienic care according to patient needs. Records patient’s intake and output as needed.

Initiates, reviews, and revises patient/family checklist as appropriate.

Promptly takes and accurately records temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, height and weight, as directed. Performs blood glucose accuchecks and other procedures as trained and directed.

Anticipates patient’s needs and responds to patient call lights promptly and courteously.

Makes occupied and unoccupied beds in a proper manner.

Keeps patient rooms tidy, bed linen clean and straightened.

Cleans spills according to policy, e.g., body fluids, etc.

Prepares patients for meals promptly; assists patients with meals, nourishments, and drinking water; monitors and reports patients’ response.

Documents percent of meal taken when appropriate.

Obtains supplies for use as directed by RN.

Initiates and leads patient activity groups such as exercise, weekend planning, and evening relaxation. Charts patient response on activity record.

Participates in and contributes effectively in other patient oriented groups such as community business meeting and evening wrap-up.

Promotes patient participation in groups and encourages social interaction within the therapeutic milieu.

Uses communication tools effectively: beepers, wireless phones, computers, etc.

Functions in a collaborative and respectful manner.

Reviews completed documentation for accuracy with assigned RN(s).

Uses equipment effectively when obtaining information and data: automatic blood pressure equipment, blood glucose equipment, bed scales.

Charts factually and concisely in accordance with Behavioral Health Department policy and procedure.

Attends and contributes to daily shift report.

Attends all mandatory in-service programs yearly, including CPR and Code Green certification.

Develops and maintains positive working relationships and effective communication with members of the unit staff.

Participates in unit meetings, in-services, and clinical supervision.

Participates in unit-based or hospital committees as assigned.

Participates in quality improvement program of the Psychiatric Unit. Makes recommendations to improve current standards of care. Participates in the implementation of QI recommendations.

Attends required education programs and attains minimum of two (2) continuing education hours applicable to practice in addition to meeting all mandatory requirements.

Assists in orienting new employees to department.

Stays informed of unit/hospital events by reading minutes or attending staff meetings 100% of the time.

Serves on committees and projects as necessary

Receives, greets, and directs patients, visitors, and hospital personnel.

Receives requests from patients and families and refers requests to appropriate person.

Receives, places, and transfers calls using appropriate telephone etiquette.

Initiates, assembles, and maintains medical records for patients on the assigned department.

Transcribes physicians’ orders. Completes all forms, requisitions, computer verifications and communications necessary to implement orders.

Utilizes computer to enter patient admission data, change orders, requisitions supplies, and generate/receive interdepartmental communications.

Files diagnostic and laboratory reports in patient’s medical records after review by RN.

Prepares and processes medical records for transfer within the hospital and to other facilities.

Prepares discharge charts for Medical Records Department.

Records and communicates messages.

Maintains adequate inventory of forms, materials and equipment.

Prepares specimens for transport and timely delivery to other departments using appropriate communication forms and labeling techniques.

Prepares forms for charges and credits and maintains department logs, forms, and other required statistics.

Provides assistance to others in areas of expertise and to other nursing departments.

Prepare chart packets as needed

Keeps the department clean and tidy: kitchen, soiled utility room, clean utility room, etc.

Floats to other units as assigned.

Serves as a patient transporter as needed.