Facilitates groups and activities. Plans and implements both specialty groups and health teaching groups. Documents on patients progress in regard to group activities during otherwise un-programmed time, especially weekend time. Assists Activity Therapists, Social Workers and Nurses as directed.

Appropriate boundaries are maintained with patients and an understanding of the difference between therapeutic relationships and friendships is demonstrated. Assists other staff in understanding and maintaining these boundaries and reports to supervisor if boundaries are violated by others.

Maintains documentation in accordance with departmental/facility standards and requirements of regulatory bodies. Writes legibly, uses approved abbreviation and correct spelling as documented in the clinical record. Demonstrates skill in the area of documentation and is able and willing to help others achieve same level of skill.

Understands the importance of maintaining the dignity of the psychiatric patient. Communicates with non-judgmental statements regarding patient behavior, as observed by supervisor and as documented in chart. Follows philosophy of unconditional positive regard toward patients.

Under supervision, observes, records, and reports activities of patients requiring special precautions. Completes appropriate observation logs. Makes rounds to assigned patients, or remains with assigned patients being aware of those patients? whereabouts at all times.

Interventions and limits are direct, timely, non-threatening, and effective in de-escalating patient or altering behavior. Also able to lead a crisis team within the milieu, giving direction to others in proper policy for resolution. Is able to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations including proper use of time outs, locked seclusion or restraints. Exhibits alert, willing, and composed attitude in response to emergency/crisis situation.

Uses good judgment in reporting verbally and in writing all clinically pertinent observations of patients or situations requiring nursing expertise or technical follow up to the charge nurse or other supervisor.

As directed by a licensed nurse, performs technical nursing care assignments such as collecting, labeling and storing specimens, weighing patients and taking and recording vital signs.

Assists in transport of patients to other facilities or other areas of the hospital for treatment when necessary.

Instructs and encourages moderately functional patients in self-care and hygiene.

Handles and cares for patients? clothing and other personal property (including prosthetic devices, hearing aids, contact lenses, etc.) from admission through discharge of the patient.

Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment by reporting equipment that is out of order, reporting other problems to management, cleaning equipment as assigned and receiving linen and supply stock for the unit.

Assists in and, as necessary, accompanies patient in admission, transfer, and discharge procedures.

Initiates and conducts search of patient and patients? belongings within the guidelines established by policy and procedure. Carefully monitors for contraband on the Unit and strives to maintain a safe environment.

Facilitates patient?s visiting with their families in an orderly and therapeutic manner.

Reports incidents in a timely manner and according to hospital policy and procedure.