BASIC FUNCTION:

 

One must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his/her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span, possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status, interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's/area's/department's policies and procedures.

 

CORE COMPETENCIES:

 

Demonstrated understanding of basic principles of human behavior.

 

Knowledge of nursing care plans, hospital admission procedures, and orientation for assigned patients.

 

Demonstrated sound judgment and knowledge of safety and security policies to ensure that the physical environment is safe and secure for all patients.

 

Ability to provide sound therapeutic intervention.

 

Demonstrated technical skills in use of physical restraints and seclusions with attention to patients and staff safely.

 

Ability to responsibly exercise independent judgment in those duties that have been assigned.

 

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

 

Ability to establish and maintain a therapeutic working relationship with patients’ family members for the purpose of support, guidance, and communication in the plan of care.

 

Ability to establish and maintain a working relationship with local agencies such as police, EMT and fire department for the purpose of support, guidance, and communication in the plan of care for specific patients or persons whom the agency is contacted to assist with.

 

Knowledge of age appropriate differences related to characteristics, physical growth, cognitive development, psychosocial, and spiritual development.

 

Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of individuals regardless of racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, or sociological backgrounds.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Continuously monitor the main lobby and CAC areas. Manage the lobby and/or CAC milieu in a therapeutic manner consistent with established hospital policies and procedures.  Primary time is to be spent managing the safety and security of the lobby area between 11p and 7am and remain seated at the reception desk to consistently monitor and process faxes.

 

Escorts patients upstairs to units upon admission. Assists with the delivery of chart updates to units as needed.

 

Implements the hospital and unit policies regarding safety and security.  Conducts search and wanding of patients and visitors entering the CAC. Supervises patients in assessment areas, ensures appropriate procedures are followed in case of fire or fire drill, manages patient behavior and supervises patients closely to prevent injury and loss of control of patient and/or group.

 

Observes/monitors patient and family member behavior to ensure safety to all individuals in lobby, CAC area or on units.

 

Performs patient care procedures, such as vital signs, specimen collection, with technical skill, accuracy, and in a supportive manner.

 

Performs and ensures admission procedures are carried out efficiently and in a supportive manner.  Collects pertinent data for patient assessment when directed.

 

Answer telephones in a professional manner and complete tasks and or communicate messages as needed.

 

Assist units with psychiatric emergency codes as needed.

 

Utilizes effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.  Ensures entries in medical record are legible and demonstrates correct usage of English.

 

Utilizes supervision to appropriate self-awareness and growth; participates in supervision process by developing goals and taking action to reach identified goals; attends inservices offered to improve knowledge about patient and environment of care.

 

May initiate restraint or seclusion and assess patient readiness for discontinuation.

 

Teaches and reinforces hospital philosophy and regulations to patients and visitors.

 

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.