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G
Geisinger
Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant Behavioral Health Inpatient
Career Insights for Mental Health Assistant
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Based on Pennsylvania data
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What they do
A Mental Health Assistant provides basic care and assistance with daily activities to patients with mental illnesses or cognitive disabilities. Helps patients dress and eat, monitors patients' well-being, and restrains patients if they become physically violent. Works in hospitals or mental health care facilities.
$37,936 / year median in Pennsylvania
+4% projected growth
Job Description
Job Summary In collaboration with the physician, provides care to new or established patients. Demonstrates autonomy through patient evaluation, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care. Orders testing as deemed necessary and remains proficient in interpreting results and prescribing appropriate medication and therapeutic regimen within the scope of practice of the nurse practitioner. These roles, undertaken in cooperation with nursing, staff physicians and other department staff, may include triage, telephone communication and patient education. Job Duties Assesses and establishes a presumptive diagnosis and implements treatment plans for their patient population. Makes accurate and complete entries into the electronic medical record; orders and interprets diagnostic testing and consults as appropriate and prescribes appropriate medical therapy utilizing evidenced based practice. Prescribes, adjusts or discontinues medications or therapies as appropriate. Evaluates and reports to collaborating physician any circumstances or approaches to medical management or test results that present a significant risk to patient's health or well-being. Performs procedures within the scope of practice of the nurse practitioner license. Communicates with collaborative physician, patient, PCP and referring staff through telephone or other means of correspondence. Instills confidence in patient acting as their advocate by providing safe, ethical care and health education to the patient and their family in a language that they can understand. Interprets and follow policies and guidelines to define procedures and meet goals and deadlines. Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position. Position Details Education Master's Degree-Physician Assistant (Preferred) Experience Minimum of 1 year-Advanced Practice (Required) Certification(s) and License(s) Licensed Registered Nurse (Pennsylvania)
- RN_State of Pennsylvania; Certified Nurse Practitioner
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners; Basic Life Support Certification
- Default Issuing Body; Certified Physician Assistant
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)