Psychiatric Technician-Psych Emergency Services (Nights)
Dallas, TX, US
Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.
Primary Purpose
Provides assistance and monitoring of patient activities and procedures, under the direction of a registered nurse, ensuring a safe and secure environment for both patients and employees.
Shift: Nights 7:00 PM-7:00 AM
Education
•High School Diploma or equivalent required.
•Associate's Degree healthcare related field preferred.
•Bachelor's Degree healthcare related field preferred.
Experience
•One year of experience in a healthcare setting, OR
•One year of experience as a psychiatric technician, OR
•One year of experience as a residential treatment/group home worker, OR
•A nursing student who has had basic fundamentals of nursing, OR
•Successfully completed Parkland's job specific training program
Equivalent Education and/or Experience
•May have an equivalent combination of education and experience to substitute for both the education and the experience requirements.
Certification/Registration/Licensure
•Must have a current Heartsaver CPR course completion card within 90 days of hire and/or placement in job from one of the following:
-American Heart Association
-American Red Cross Rescuer
-Military Training Network
•Must obtain Satori Alternatives for Managing Aggression (SAMA) certification, level 1-4, within 60 days of hire. Must have in place prior to first clinical orientation shift.
Skills or Special Abilities
•Must be able to demonstrate basic patient care skills, clerical/administrative duties, and the use of supplies and assigned equipment.
•May be required to handle aggressive patients using Client Management methods.
•Must be able to do some heavy lifting and moving.
•Must be able to communicate effectively with departmental personnel, other hospital personnel, physicians, patients and families.
•Must be able to demonstrate patient centered/patient valued behavior.
Responsibilities
1.Provides a safe environment for patients, nurses, doctors and others by collecting firearms from patients and officers, scanning patients, securing sharp items, and physically restraining uncooperative patients to minimize the risk of injury to patients, property and others. Monitors and assesses patients’ physical and emotional status, applying Client Management procedures as necessary (including the restraining and secluding of patients when appropriate), to provide a safe, stable, environment for all patients.
2.Provides direct patient care, including recording vital signs, phlebotomy tasks, monitoring patients’ dietary intake, monitoring and recording sleep behaviors, to ensure optimal patient healthcare management consistent with the Parkland mission of patient centered/ patient valued care.
3.Monitors ongoing patient status and responds to a patient's change in condition by notifying and assisting nurses and other health team members in handling patient care needs.
4.Collects, stores, documents, and secures patient valuables and non-valuables to facilitate the administration of patient services.
5.Interviews, counsels, and advises patients of their rights, while establishing and maintaining rapport with the patient.
6.Cleans patients, patient possessions, and patient areas to comply with established cleanliness standards.
7.Transports patients to and from test locations, and transports medicines and other items to help service patients during their stay.
8.Monitors and documents patient behaviors and care given to patients in seclusion, restraint, or on 1:1 to reduce the risk of injury to the patient, and provide a record of the patients’ behavior.
9.Serves as a patient advocate by responding to a patient's needs and special requests. Maintains open communication, and honors patient's rights and confidentiality, while providing optimum service to patients.
10.Maintains the confidentiality of patient information obtained in the performance of the job, while adhering to established policies and procedures for communicating patient information, to protect the privacy of the patient.
11.Conducts security rounds, inspects patient rooms for contraband, and performs quality management audits, as requested, to ensure the safety of patients and employees.
12.Maintains a positive working relationship with management, employees, outside agencies, and other hospitals to ensure effective communication and cooperative working relationships.
13.Works directly with Charge Nurse and RN’s carrying out special orders and providing assistance to meet the needs of patients.
14.Performs all other duties as assigned by manager or manager's designee.
Job Accountabilities
- Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
- Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
- Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.
Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status. As part of our commitment to our patients and employees’ wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.
Nearest Major Market:DallasNearest Secondary Market:Fort WorthJob Segment:Patient Care, Registered Nurse, Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Emergency Medicine, Healthcare
Freqently Asked Questions
Dallas psychiatric techs in emergency settings focus heavily on maintaining safety by monitoring patient behavior closely, handling aggressive incidents effectively, and securing environments. Their role is critical in preventing injury and ensuring both patient and staff wellbeing during overnight shifts.
In Dallas, certifications like Heartsaver CPR and the Satori Alternatives for Managing Aggression (SAMA) levels 1-4 are crucial for psychiatric techs. These credentials are often required to handle emergency situations with confidence and comply with local healthcare standards.
This role demands proficiency in crisis intervention, physical restraint techniques, and managing acute psychiatric emergencies. Unlike general psychiatric technician jobs, emergency services techs must excel in rapid assessment and maintaining safety in volatile nighttime environments.
Advancement often involves pursuing higher education in nursing or mental health fields, gaining specialized certifications, and developing leadership skills. Experience in emergency psychiatric care provides a strong foundation for roles such as psychiatric nurse or behavioral health counselor.
Parkland Careers provides job-specific training tailored to emergency psychiatric care, including client management and safety protocols. This hands-on development ensures new hires are equipped to meet the high standards expected in their overnight psychiatric technician roles.
At Parkland, psychiatric technicians are vital in delivering compassionate, patient-valued care by closely monitoring patient wellbeing and advocating for individual needs. Their contributions support the hospital’s commitment to community health and safety.
Psychiatric Technicians in Dallas typically earn between $38,000 and $50,000 annually, with overnight shifts potentially offering shift differentials. Salaries reflect experience, certifications, and facility budgets within the local healthcare market.
Dallas sees higher demand for psychiatric technicians due to its larger healthcare infrastructure, but also greater competition. Fort Worth offers opportunities with slightly less applicant volume, making it an alternative for candidates seeking psych tech positions in the metroplex.
Dallas traffic tends to lighten at night, which benefits overnight psychiatric technicians commuting to hospitals like Parkland. However, limited public transit options during late hours may require reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services.
Expect to engage in vigilant patient monitoring, managing aggressive behaviors, assisting nurses with clinical tasks, and ensuring a secure environment. Night shifts often involve heightened attention to patient emotional status and rapid response to changes.
Find The Related Jobs
Parkland Careers
Psychiatric Technician-PRN Job Details
Dallas, TX
Smith Arnold Partners
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Poughkeepsie, NY
Smith Arnold Partners
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Yonkers, NY
Smith Arnold Partners
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
New York, NY
Smith Arnold Partners
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Bronx, NY
Smith Arnold Partners
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
New York, NY
Jobseekers are also searching for
Popular Searches for Psychiatric Technician