Certified Nurse Aide - Behavioral Health Outpatient Services - Day

CNA - Behavioral Health Services Outpatient

• Full time (80 hours biweekly)
• Shift:  8-hour Day/Evening (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
• No weekends
• No holidays

Position Function: The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) functions as an integral part of the patient care team by performing selected patient/resident care treatments and tasks as delegated by licensed nurses and is accountable for his/her own action in performing duties as assigned and for which he/she is trained.  Included is recognition and understanding of the physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes unique to the age group served.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities
   Job Class Specifics
1.    Consistently communicates pertinent information to the primary nurse and/or follows chain of command to ensure patient and safety concerns are addressed.
2.    Seeks guidance and direction, as necessary, for performance of duties and completion of assignment.
3.    Assists and maintains a neat, clean and safe environment for patients, families, employees, volunteers and providers.
4.    Demonstrates competence with all CNA standard work and performs independently, accurately, efficiently, promptly, recognizing importance to positive outcomes.
5.    Receives instructions and follows directions accurately and in a cooperative manner; thinks critically and clarifies questions and concerns prior to acting.
6.    Observes changes in patient condition & promptly reports to primary nurse and/or follows chain of command to ensure patient and safety concerns are addressed.
7.    Documents according to standard work elements in electronic medical record in addition to informing primary nurse and other caregivers.
8.    Utilizes proper body mechanics to prevent injury to self and others. Safely positions, transfers and transports patients according to standard work elements.
9.    Assists in maintaining equipment assigned to patient care and reports malfunctioning of equipment to appropriate personnel.
10.    Supports orientation of new personnel to the unit by welcoming and encouraging them.  Serves as a preceptor or "buddy" to new team members.
11.    Recognizes and responds to shifting priorities in the patient care process.  Readily adapts to changes in workload and responds efficiently and effectively.
12.    Responds appropriately to emergency situations.
13.    Anticipates patient, family, team member, and unit needs and is proactive rather than waiting to be told.  
14.    Answers/responds to patient call lights, telephone and voice communications/pages promptly.
15.    Follows standard work in post mortem care and transport.
16.    Follows standard work in responding to Code Blue.
17.    Maintains current knowledge through reading journals, attending meetings, and continuing education.  Maintains certification. 
18.    Transports medications within the hospital as requested and needed according to Hospital policy.
19.    Functions as a virtual sitter as assigned which includes, but is not limited to, observing patients for disruptive behavior or safety issues, crawling out of bed, fall risks, redirecting patients as necessary through a virtual platform and working collaboratively with the bedside staff. 

Department:   Patient Services - Outpatient Behavioral Health Services  
1.   Obtains and documents reason for visit, patient vital signs which may include: Temperature, blood pressure, weight, height, BMI, respirations, and pulse.
2.   Administers in-office TMS therapeutic treatments under the guidance of the treating physician.  Works closely with the TMS Coordinator on specifics regarding TMS care and equipment.   Reports any needs to leadership. 
3.   Monitors patients for medical symptoms and/or side effects for a defined duration following administration of the TMS treatment.
4.   Provides medical intervention to TMS patients in an emergency.
5.   Ensures all patient care areas are adequately stocked with unexpired medical supplies and has equipment that is in good working condition with up to date biomedical assessment checks.  Properly handles, stores, and cleans instruments, equipment, and supplies per manufacturer guidelines.
6.   Prepares patients for scheduled procedures by assuring patient is appropriately prepared and instruments and supplies are set-up.  Uses Standard Precautions for all patient encounters.     
7.   Arranges for patients’ ordered diagnostic and therapeutic services by completing necessary paperwork and scheduling of appointments. Under the direction of the provider, tracks, reviews and monitors follow-up of diagnostic test results.  Relays information from the provider to the patient regarding follow-up instructions.
8.   Documents and processes prescription requests and refills per protocol. 
9.   Provides patients with standard patient care instructions and education, and reviews with patient and family members as directed by providers (i.e. VIS sheets etc.).
10.   Completes pre-visit planning and visit prep according to established guidelines.  Obtains comprehensive health information from patient/family members at the time of the visit.  This may include review of systems and history of present illness and/or past medical and social history.  Obtains an accurate medication list updating the EHR. 
11.    Efficiently manages daily patient flow to manage fluctuating patient volumes and demands. Prioritizes daily patient care tasks and activities that are delegated by the care team. 
12.   Maintains a visible presence in the clinical area in between tasks.
13.   Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility.
14.   Assist with clinical care team in basket messages. 
15.   Schedule appointments for patients as needed and required. 
16.   Schedule urgent studies and referrals
17.   Completion of patient forms
18.   Monitor and assist with processing forms, faxes, paperwork of the clinical care team
19.   Assist clinical team with coverage of in basket messages, nurse line and back line for office. 
20.   Attends Crisis Intervention Training as required and completes all required competencies in timely way
21.   Maintains all job related clearances as required by deadlines
22.   Demonstrates ability and confidence to assess and participate in managing potentially high conflict and/or unsafe patients with mandatory trainings.

Qualifications And Standards

• Education:   Formal Education and Training - High school graduate or the equivalent preferred. 
• Informal or Continuing Education - Evidence of participation in educational programs to update and maintain knowledge and clinical skills. 

Experience:  Experience applying customer service behaviors and communication skills required.   Previous experience as a CNA or LPN preferred.  Proficient communication skills including reading comprehension and listening skills.  Required to demonstrate proficiency in CNA knowledge and basic arithmetic.     

Outpatient Behavioral Health:  Previous experience as a CNA in an outpatient setting with mental health experience preferred. 

Certifications/Licensure: CPR certification required.  Pennsylvania State Nurse Aide Certification or Pennsylvania LPN license is required.