PIW is committed to improving the behavioral health care within our community by going beyond the traditional.  We will continue to develop diverse and dynamic treatment programs and establish partnerships with others to understand and serve people where they live.  Together we will build upon our strengths and human spirit to create a different future.

PIW's Values

(Guiding Principles)

• We will deliver the highest quality behavioral health care services to the patients at PIW in a responsible, reliable, and cost-effective manner.
• We will be responsive, sensitive, and professional in all our relationships.
• We will be a leader in providing a continuum of behavioral health care services in the Washington area.
• We will practice good corporate stewardship within our community.
• We will pursue growth while being mindful of the economic realities necessitated by being an independent organization.
• We will treat all employees and staff of PIW fairly.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Responsible for providing direct patient care to children and adolescents from the ages of 5-18 years of age and adults ages 8-65+ that is congruent with the philosophy and standards of practice defined by the Nursing Department. Responsible for providing direct patient care under the supervision of the registered nurse. Supports and maintains the program philosophy and structure. Participates in group meetings and is responsible for leading task groups.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Demonstrates understanding of basic principles of human behavior.

Knowledge of nursing care plans, hospital admission procedures and orientation for assigned patients.

Demonstrates sound judgment and knowledge of safety and security policies to ensure that the physical environment is safe and secure for all patients.

Ability to provide sound therapeutic intervention.

Ability to provide psycho educational groups.

Demonstrates technical skills in use of physical restraints and seclusion with attention to patients and staff safety.

Ability to responsibly exercise independent judgment in those duties that have been assigned.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain a therapeutic working relationship with family members for the purpose of support, guidance, and communication in the plan of care.

Knowledge of age appropriate difference related to characteristics, physical growth, cognitive development, psychosocial and spiritual development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Interacts with patients in a purposeful and goal directed manner.

Interacts therapeutically with patients and demonstrates an understanding of basic principles of human behavior.

Provides a social learning experience for patients.

Verbalizes and demonstrates through actions and awareness of the influence of behavior and personality of self and other staff on patients.

Presents lectures and leads task group as assigned.

Performs nursing interventions according to care plans, as delegated by the RN.

Observes changes in patients' behavior and health condition and reports to RN.

Performs patient care procedures, such as vital signs, specimen collection, with technical skill, accuracy, and in a supportive manner.

Performs and ensures admission procedures are carried out efficiently and in a supportive manner.  Collects pertinent data for patient assessment.

Teaches and reinforces unit's philosophy and regulations to patients and visitors.

Implements the hospital and unit policies regarding safety and security.  Conducts patient room checks according to unit policy, supervises patients in cafeteria, ensures appropriate procedures are followed in case of fire or fire drill, manages patient behavior and supervises groups closely to prevent injury and loss of control of patient and/or group.

Assists in organizing and implementing recreational activities for patients.

Utilizes effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.  Ensures entries in medical record are legible and demonstrates correct usage of English.

Utilizes supervision to appropriate self-awareness and growth; participates in supervision process by developing goals and taking action to reach identified goals; attends inservices offered to improve knowledge about patient care.

Keeps information related to patient identity, history and course of treatment confidential.

May initiate restraint and seclusion and assess patient readiness for discontinuation

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.