PSYCH TECH I - Covenant Health

Psychiatric Technician, Unit B Insight

Full Time, 72 Hours per pay period, Night shift                                                                       

Peninsula Overview:

Peninsula, a division of Parkwest Medical Center, has set a new standard for effective, innovative and caring mental health services in East Tennessee. With a combined total of more than 75 years of experience, Peninsula has helped thousands of people recover from disorders and dependencies, and lead healthy, positive and productive lives.

Offering both inpatient and outpatient services for children, adolescents and adults, Peninsula is a leader in the changing healthcare environment. The hospital is located in Blount County, with outpatient centers in Knox, Blount, Loudon and Sevier Counties. Additionally, Peninsula offers care specifically designed for seniors with co-existing psychiatric and medical conditions at the Senior Behavioral Center located at Parkwest Medical Center. Peninsula is truly committed to improving the health of the people and communities it serves. 

Unit B: 

Unit B is an 87-bed unit, divided into two separate “Tracks.” Track 1 is a 44-bed area that cares primarily for adult patients with mood disorders and/or chemical dependency issues. Track 2 is a 43-bed area that cares primarily for adult patients with thought disorders and/or chemical dependency issues. Unit B is a busy and exciting area to work where you will be exposed to patients dealing with a wide variety of psychiatric conditions. Staff may also work on other units in the hospital, offering the opportunity to work with many different types of patients. The care team consists of physicians, therapists, discharge planners, registered nurses, psychiatric technicians, and others who work together to develop a comprehensive treatment outline and care plan. We have a great team on the unit who all work together to provide excellent care for our patients in a safe, therapeutic environment.This unit creates a 6-week schedule which is released two weeks before the schedule starts.  Staff preferences are considered and may be accommodated when they align with the overall staffing needs of the unit and facility.

Position Summary:

Responsible for quality patient care by providing supervision and guidance for the patients as well as maintaining a safe and therapeutic patient environment. 

Recruiter: Brittany Partello || bpartell@CovHlth.com || (865) 374-5363

• Provides proper supervision and guidance in the daily activities of the program as part of a patient care team.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe and therapeutic patient environment.
• Reports patient complaints and/or changes in the patient’s psychiatric and/or medical condition promptly to the Registered Nurse.
• Completes all necessary paperwork used in the daily operation of the program and documents in the medical record objective patient care in a competent manner.
• Understands and is able to implement all emergency policies and procedures and ensures that emergency restrictive devices are available on the unit each shift and in good working order.
• Works with the Nurse Manager and/or Nurse Supervisor, and/or the Team Leader Psychiatric Technician, and co-workers to structure and monitor the unit milieu. Reports problems in working with specific patients to the Registered Nurse and/or the Team Leader Psychiatric Technician.
• Participates in the training and orientation of new staff members as directed by the Team Leader Psychiatric Technician and the Nurse Manager or Nurse Supervisor.
• Facilitates, implements, and evaluates patient care goals for patients with the help and supervision of the Registered Nurse.
• Performs and documents monitoring of patient activities on the milieu as well as any specialized observation needs.
• Monitors vital signs, collects urine specimens, and assists patients with the activities of daily living according to appropriate guidelines and policies and under the clinical direction of the Registered Nurse.
• Serves as an extension of Clinical Services/Physical Therapy departments to deliver therapeutic activities.
• Demonstrates and maintains competence in using small group dynamics, scheduled activities, and the therapeutic milieu to carry out the Treatment Plan for each patient as part of a patient care team.
• Uses small group dynamics to manage the unit and to provide support and limits for the patients as part of a patient care team.
• Attends shift report and is prepared to share relevant information about the patients.
• Implements restrictive measures with patients as part of the patient care team and under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse.
• Accompanies patients to other facilities for appointments, treatments, etc. as required.
• Maintains all necessary certifications and completes all mandatory assigned education in the specified time frames.
• Attends on regular basis staff meetings and development sessions in order to maintain and enhance job knowledge.
• Is expected to seek out and complete additional voluntary job-related training separate from normal departmental offerings.
• Demonstrates a willingness to participate in facility committees and the design/implementation of patient care initiatives as directed by the Nurse Manager.
• Assists in the orienting and training of new staff as requested.
• Is punctual and prepared to perform duties and responsibilities.
• Presents a professional image, both in appearance and delivery of service.
• Actively ensures a safe, therapeutic milieu through effective and collaborative unit management
• Communicates to supervisory staff all work-related issues, concerns and problems.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education:           

None specified; will accept any combination of formal education and/or prior work experience sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and ability needed to perform the essential tasks of the job, typically such as would be equivalent to a high school diploma or GED. Preference may be given to individuals possessing a HS diploma or GED.

Minimum Experience:         

None

Licensure Requirement:      

None