Psychiatric Technician Geriatric Unit Night Shift
University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore, MD, United States
General Summary
Under direct supervision of licensed professional staff, performs delegated medical and mental health care practices to patients with diverse psychiatric, medical, and substance abuse disorders. The psychiatric technician participates as a multidisciplinary team member of the nursing staff to maintain a therapeutic, rehabilitative milieu environment.
Principal Responsibilities And Tasks
Provides therapeutic psychiatric interventions as outlined by the treatment plan, and is active in group activities with patients that contribute to their emotional, intellectual, and developmental growth.
Assists with milieu management and uses crisis de‑escalation strategies to reduce destructive and disruptive patient behavior and ensure the safety of patient, self, and others; recognizes early warning signs of worsening patient behaviors and intervenes appropriately.
Conducts patient observation rounds with appropriate documentation and one‑to‑one observation; observes patient condition for signs/symptoms consistent with illness or mental status changes and reports observations to the nurse.
Provides physical care to patients as delegated/instructed by RN, including bathing, dressing, and assisting with daily personal hygiene and other daily living activities, such as feeding and ambulation.
Takes, records and reports patient vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, respiration, pulse) and obtains height and weight measurements as requested.
Obtains specimens for laboratory examination, which may include blood draws, and delivers specimens to clinical laboratories.
Assesses the environmental needs of the unit and recommends or initiates appropriate actions in coordination with professional staff; completes environmental/safety rounds at the beginning of each shift.
Assists in admitting, transferring, and discharging patients by orienting them to the unit and assisting with transport to and from admitting, discharge, and other areas of the hospital.
Documents patient data in support of treatment and documentation requirements.
Accompanies patients to diagnostic testing areas as directed and remains with the patient.
Participates in mandatory hospital/department in‑service education, de‑escalation training, and staff meetings.
Maintains strict patient medical record confidentiality in accordance with hospital/unit policy and federal HIPAA regulations.
Demonstrates support and compliance with UMMC mission, vision, values, philosophy, goals, and objectives.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrates knowledge of universal blood and body fluid precautions and aseptic technique; knowledge of basic patient care skills such as bathing, taking and recording vital signs, feeding, and weighing patients.
Demonstrates sensitivity and awareness to the needs of patients, visitors, and co‑workers, and responds promptly to verbal and/or written instructions.
Highly effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills to work with patients, visitors, and other healthcare team members to establish optimal working relationships.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient populations served relative to their age‑specific needs.
Patient Safety
Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.
Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates them to those in charge.
Education and Experience
High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
GNA or CNA certification (required for employees hired after 7/1/20).
CPR certification required.
Experience working with direct patient care or in a psychiatric facility preferred.
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Work Schedule: 3 shifts a week (Night Shift) 7 pm‑7 am.
Compensation
Pay range: $17.00–$22.47.
Other compensation (if applicable): Review the 2025‑2026 UMMS Benefits Guide.
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Under direct supervision of licensed professional staff, performs delegated medical and mental health care practices to patients with diverse psychiatric, medical, and substance abuse disorders. The psychiatric technician participates as a multidisciplinary team member of the nursing staff to maintain a therapeutic, rehabilitative milieu environment.
Principal Responsibilities And Tasks
Provides therapeutic psychiatric interventions as outlined by the treatment plan, and is active in group activities with patients that contribute to their emotional, intellectual, and developmental growth.
Assists with milieu management and uses crisis de‑escalation strategies to reduce destructive and disruptive patient behavior and ensure the safety of patient, self, and others; recognizes early warning signs of worsening patient behaviors and intervenes appropriately.
Conducts patient observation rounds with appropriate documentation and one‑to‑one observation; observes patient condition for signs/symptoms consistent with illness or mental status changes and reports observations to the nurse.
Provides physical care to patients as delegated/instructed by RN, including bathing, dressing, and assisting with daily personal hygiene and other daily living activities, such as feeding and ambulation.
Takes, records and reports patient vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, respiration, pulse) and obtains height and weight measurements as requested.
Obtains specimens for laboratory examination, which may include blood draws, and delivers specimens to clinical laboratories.
Assesses the environmental needs of the unit and recommends or initiates appropriate actions in coordination with professional staff; completes environmental/safety rounds at the beginning of each shift.
Assists in admitting, transferring, and discharging patients by orienting them to the unit and assisting with transport to and from admitting, discharge, and other areas of the hospital.
Documents patient data in support of treatment and documentation requirements.
Accompanies patients to diagnostic testing areas as directed and remains with the patient.
Participates in mandatory hospital/department in‑service education, de‑escalation training, and staff meetings.
Maintains strict patient medical record confidentiality in accordance with hospital/unit policy and federal HIPAA regulations.
Demonstrates support and compliance with UMMC mission, vision, values, philosophy, goals, and objectives.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrates knowledge of universal blood and body fluid precautions and aseptic technique; knowledge of basic patient care skills such as bathing, taking and recording vital signs, feeding, and weighing patients.
Demonstrates sensitivity and awareness to the needs of patients, visitors, and co‑workers, and responds promptly to verbal and/or written instructions.
Highly effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills to work with patients, visitors, and other healthcare team members to establish optimal working relationships.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient populations served relative to their age‑specific needs.
Patient Safety
Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.
Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates them to those in charge.
Education and Experience
High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
GNA or CNA certification (required for employees hired after 7/1/20).
CPR certification required.
Experience working with direct patient care or in a psychiatric facility preferred.
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Work Schedule: 3 shifts a week (Night Shift) 7 pm‑7 am.
Compensation
Pay range: $17.00–$22.47.
Other compensation (if applicable): Review the 2025‑2026 UMMS Benefits Guide.
#J-18808-Ljbffr