Psychiatric Aides

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Code: 31-1013.00

Description : Assist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients, working under direction of nursing and medical staff. May assist with daily living activities, lead patients in educational and recreational activities, or accompany patients to and from examinations and treatments. May restrain violent patients. Includes psychiatric orderlies.

JobTitles : Mental Health Worker (MHW), Residential Counselor, Mental Health Technician (MHT), Psychiatric Aide, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Psychiatric Technician, Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Resident Care Technician, Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW), Certified Nurses' Aide (CNA)

Tasks:
  • Complete physical checks and monitor patients to detect unusual or harmful behavior and report observations to professional staff.
  • Record and maintain patient information, such as vital signs, eating habits, behavior, progress notes, treatments, or discharge plans.
  • Maintain patients' restrictions to assigned areas.
  • Work as part of a team that may include psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, or social workers.
  • Provide patients with assistance in bathing, dressing, or grooming, demonstrating these skills as necessary.
  • Clean and disinfect rooms and furnishings to maintain a safe and orderly environment.
  • Restrain or aid patients as necessary to prevent injury.
  • Provide mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients with routine physical, emotional, psychological, or rehabilitation care under the direction of nursing or medical staff.
  • Serve meals or feed patients needing assistance or persuasion.
  • Organize, supervise, or encourage patient participation in social, educational, or recreational activities.