Job Description

Job Overview:

Mental Health Workers provide care to individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities under the direction of nurses and physicians. They closely monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff.

Qualifications:

Required:

• HS Diploma or GED
• BLS (American Heart Association)

Preferred:

• Previous experience working with psychiatric and/or substance abuse patients
• Previous experience in psychology or sociology

Scheduling Requirements:

• 11:00pm 7:00am - various 8 hour shifts
• Also rotate every other weekend
• PT

Essential Functions:

• Monitors vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure
• Performs EKGs
• Draws labs and collect specimens from patients
• Activities of daily living such as: eating, dressing, and bathing
• Provides therapeutic groups and recreational activities to patients
• Assists in non-violent crisis intervention
• Attends and participates in unit meetings by offering suggestions, ideas, and comments concerning unit and team efforts
• Maintains a clean and comfortable environment for the patient according to established policy and procedure
• Participates in room and/or body searches of patients according to policy and procedure as assigned by the professional nurse
• Assists in maintaining unit policies and procedures, procures and maintains par levels of supplies and linens stock. Cleans discharge units when housekeeping is unavailable
• Records pertinent data according to standards
• Documents pertinent patient information daily and as needed in the medical record
• Immediately reports patient changes in condition to the nurse in charge
• Precepts new employees and students, as requested
• Assists in orienting new staff members
• Participates in the admission/transfer process by orienting patients to the Hospital and nursing unit, and by carrying out the admission/transfer process as delineated in the unit procedure manual
• Contributes to the formation of and carrying out of treatment plans elaborated by the staff of the psychiatric team
• Provides standard nursing care as delegated by the registered nurse, physical care, escorting patients, participating in patient-related activities maintaining therapeutic communication with patients, collection of specimens, etc.
• Participates in patient/staff meetings, and group and community meetings as required
• Contributes to the updating of patient care plans
• Plans and participates in recreational activities for the patient
• Supervises patient interaction with family members, especially during visitation, and provides supportive intervention, as required
• Perform venipuncture and draw blood specimens. Collect specimens (blood, urine, sputum, stool) and ensure that appropriate labeling associated with each specimen is correct and complete
• Recognizes abnormal vital signs data and verbally reports same directly to the RN caring for the patients

Benefits and Perks:

At RWJBarnabas Health, our market-competitive Total Rewards package provides comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees physical, emotional, social, and financial health.

Choosing RWJBarnabas Health!

RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time. As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health.

RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

RWJBarnabas Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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