Behavioral Health Associate, Behavioral Health Units, Per Diem

Job Summary

Performs a wide variety of patient care tasks utilizing a Patient Focused Care model. Follows standardized procedures prescribed in a clinical pathway, including activities related to direct care, diagnostic testing, patient transport and documentation, as directed by RN.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities :

• Provides direct care to patients under direction of an RN, based on current policies and procedures, accepted standards of care, and established competencies
• Under the supervision of the registered nurse.
• Observes physical / emotional status of assigned patient / family.
• Able to prioritize patient care and unit activities.
• Provides care according to current policies and procedures and established standards of care.
• Appropriately seeks out assistance to assess patients or render patient care.
• Is aware of limitations of behavioral health associate and functions within those limits.
• Provides for the patient / family needs for psychological, emotional or spiritual support in an unhurried, empathetic manner.
• Meets standards of unit-based competencies on an annual basis.
• Assumes role of patient advocate.
• Consistently refers to the critical pathway when rendering care.
• Participates in patient activities / groups under the direction of the licensed nurse.
• Assists with emergency code situations according to policy and procedure.
• Expedites patient care needs by answering call lights, intercom, verbal requests, or telephones promptly.

Documents all patient care appropriately

Communicates effectively with all healthcare team members in the implementation of patient care

Acts as a resource person

Assesses clinical environment and recommends appropriate changes / improvements

Seeks direction for and maintains responsibility for own development

Qualifications

Educational / Minimum requirements :

Must have High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).

BLS certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross at time of Hire

Must have a minimum of 1 year of experience working in a long term care and / or behavioral health setting.

Active CNA certificate or One (1) year of experience in a role as a PCA, Ed Tech or CNA in acute or long term care. Good Communication Skills

OR

3rd year BSN student who has completed two clinical rotations

Medical Assistant

OR

EMT

Must be willing to be floated or reassigned to another department, unit, office, or location as needed.

State / Federal Mandated Licensure or Certification Requirements :

Valid and active CNA Certification in the State of Connecticut preferred

BLS certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross at time of hire.

Bristol Hospital Mandated Educational Requirements :

General orientation at time of hire. Accu Chek, BLS, Fire / Safety / Infection Control annually. Additional cross-training as appropriate to perform diverse job duties. Successfully complete all training programs as determined by the Hospital. Other unit based competencies / skills as required.

Special Requirements :

Knowledge of basic patient care procedures and medical terminology. Ability to work as part of a team. Data entry and documentation skills. Experience working with a psychiatric population.

Physical Requirements :

Significant walking, bending, stooping, patient lifting and positioning. Must be able to participate in PERT. Manual dexterity for phlebotomy and data entry.

Work Environment :

Stressful working conditions in a patient care environment. Exposure to patient fluids and waste. Rapid pace and variable environment.

Cognitive Requirements :

Mental flexibility to perform diverse duties involved in patient care. Good communication skills, written and oral, and ability to follow written and oral instruction.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.