LPN I- PSYCH SVCS

Psychiatric Technician, Unit B

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.

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

Provides quality patient care under the clinical direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for maintaining a safe and therapeutic patient environment as part of a patient care team.
• Demonstrates and maintains competence in therapeutic communication, supportive counseling, small group dynamics, scheduled activities, and the therapeutic milieu to manage the unit, to provide support and limits for the patients, and to carry out the Treatment Plan for each patient.
• Assists in the training, orientation, and teaching of new staff members as directed by the Nurse Manager or Nurse Supervisor.
• Performs medication administration duties, including accessing pharmacy.
• Implements physician orders accurately and with proper documentation.
• Solicite administrative or medical consultation to assure quality patient care.
• Under the supervision of an RN, accesses emergency medical care for patients, provides a report to the Emergency Room, assures that a report from the Emergency Room is provided before the return of the patient, and facilitates the receipt of records. Provides for patient stabilization.
• Completes nursing assessment and initiation of the Interdisciplinary Care Plan under the supervision of an RN.
• Facilitates discharge process and assures that all relevant information is comprehensive, accurate, and appropriately documented.
• May perform 24-hour chart reviews.
• Participates in the treatment team process by interacting with the multidisciplinary team of care providers.
• Applies Infection Control, Hospital Emergency, Hazardous Materials Management, and Patient / Proprietary Information Confidentiality policies.
• Advocates for the rights of the patients and is able to process patient complaints and concerns.
• Under the supervision of an RN, formulates nursing diagnosis (using NANDA taxonomy) and uses standard DSM IV classifications of mental disorders to express conclusions supported by the collection on data.
• Under the supervision of an RN, develops treatment plans with specific goals that are patient-centered, time-oriented, and measurable and that are unique to each patient's needs.
• Can perform ECG, VP, and Bedside Glucose Meter procedures.
• Understands and is familiar with all Hospital policies and procedures, especially those relevant to his / her respective program.

Qualifications

Minimum Education : None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and / or certification as required by the issuing authority. Minimum Experience : Previous experience in the practice of psychiatric nursing is desired. Licensure Requirement : Current license as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Tennessee or as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. CPR required.