Job Abstract

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mental Health Aide Under direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and Physician implements program for acute psychiatric patients and provides basic nursing care in the Emergency Department. Under the supervision of an RN, provides close observation and direct care of patients.  Assists in the provision of a safe and clean environment. Promotes the therapeutic milieu and the efficiency of the nursing team. Provides assistance with activities of daily living, unless the patient needs are such that adverse health consequences are predictable. Supports System and Nursing Strategic Plans, Relationship-Based Care, and Shared Leadership. The position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the Mission of Martin Luther King, Jr. Community  Hospital. It is expected that the employee will demonstrate behavior consistent with the Core Values. The employee shall support Martin Luther King, Jr. Community  Hospital's strategic plan and the goals and direction of the quality and performance improvement process activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Obtains verbal report from the patient’s nurse to include information regarding the patient’s identified care needs, diagnosis, visual, auditory, or language barriers, as well as any special consideration (NPO, bed alarms, etc.).
2. Provide physical support to assist assigned patient to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising.
3. Obtains instruction from nurse regarding ambulation limitations and course of action for redirection of patient if needed.
4. Review patients' dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences to ensure patient receives appropriate diet.
5. Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
6. Record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate, as directed by medical or nursing staff.
7. Never leaves the patient alone or out of sight unless specifically instructed by the registered nurse.
8. May accompany patient and nurse for testing and procedures off the unit but must remain within arm’s length of patient unless otherwise directed by the person performing the test or procedure.
9. Observant of the patient’s activity and behavior and communicates on a regular basis to the nurse. Receives direction from the nurse re: what to report, to whom, and how.
10. Provides for patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction.  Maintains patient environment in a safe and orderly manner.
11. Functions cooperatively as a team member.  Responds as directed by responsible nurse to changing patients'/unit's needs. 
12. Communicates in a professional manner and demonstrates respect for patient, families/significant other and other health care members.
13. Offers support and feedback to peers and staff.  Applies principles of caring and healing in interactions with patients and families and with colleagues.
14. Accurately and legibly records data collected and notifies RN of any untoward events, i.e., physical symptoms, behavioral changes, violent behavior, etc.
15. Seeks and supports opportunities for professional growth and development.
16. Offers consistent and visible support to team members.
17. Complies with all hospital rules, regulations, and nursing standards.
18. Strives to achieve excellence of service as described in the CARE Commitments.
19. Verbalizes understanding and responsibilities during all  Emergency codes. When sitting, the assigned patient remains the Mental Health Aide’s PRIMARY responsibility at all times.
20. Responsible for honest behavior in all matters.  To the best of the employee’s knowledge and understanding, complies with all Federal and State laws and regulations.
21. Maintains the privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information.  Uses and discloses only that information which is necessary to perform the function of the job.
22. Performs related duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

A.   Education

• High school graduate or equivalent. The employee in this position must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide a safe environment and therapeutic milieu based on the age of the patients served. 

B.  Qualifications/Experience

• One (1) year experience in an adult and/or adolescent psych unit. May include up to six (6) months experience on an inpatient chemical dependency unit.
• Current California State Nurse Assistant certification required. 
• A solid understanding of human anatomy, basic medical terminology, and rehabilitation principles is desired.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span, possess the ability to communicate observed changes in behavior / activity to the registered nurse.

C.   Special Skills/Knowledge

• Bilingual skills preferred (Spanish)
• Basic computer skills
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS)
• Current Managing Aggressive Behavior (MAB) within 90 days of hire
• Completion of Sitter training course within 30 days of start date
• Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.