Section 1: Task Ratings
This training and Experience examination is used to evaluate each candidate’s education, training, and experience related to the duties of this classification; and will account for 100% of the weight of your examination. Please note that your overall score will be determined solely by the information you provide on Sections 1 and 2. Information provided on screens prior to these sections will not be used to determine your final score. Therefore, please be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Instructions:
Respond to each of the following items by indicating how the statement applies to you. In responding to each item, reference any paid and/or unpaid experience (e.g., employment, education, volunteer work, etc.).
Task Statements:
1. Respond to medical and security emergencies (e.g., seizure, fights, altercations, assaults, etc.) and provide emergency care (e.g., Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, etc.
2. Administer medications as prescribed using Physician’s orders and/or Medication Administration Records (MAR) to ensure continuity of care.
3. Account for all supplies (e.g., narcotics, syringes, etc.) at the beginning and end of each shift to prevent unauthorized use.
4. Report the severity of side effects and effectiveness of medication/treatment to determine if patient needs further medical treatment.
5. Monitor Patients with mental illnesses (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or personality disorders) to assist them during psychiatric crisis using appropriate interventions, forms and documents.
6. Conduct inspections for contraband to identify any security concerns, following departmental policies, and procedures and legal requirements.
7. Examine medical equipment (e.g., oxygen tank, crash-cart, suction machine, vital signs machine, refrigerator temperature, etc.) to ensure working order.
8. Perform nursing procedures (i.e., taking temperature, pulse, blood pressure, vital signs) for any medical needs and abnormalities as ordered by the Physician.
9. Observe and document patient’s status, symptoms, and progress in record to provide medical staff with current information about the patient.
10. Write required incident reports to document significant incidents.
11. Monitor patients’ movement in assigned areas to ensure the safety and security of self, staff, and patients by escorting patients to and from medical appointments, group sessions, meals, and visits.
12. Assist with counseling patients to build rapport and develop their self-confidence utilizing adaptive and therapeutic strategies and document in patient’s health record/chart.
13. Gather information from patients and treatment team to assist patients with coping strategies and ensure patients develop self-reliance in daily activities.
14. Assist with and perform medical treatments (e.g., first aid, applying ointments, etc.) to prevent infection, promote healing, and reduce pain as necessary.
15. Assist medical staff in working with mentally ill, emotionally disturbed or developmentally disabled patients to treat, habilitate/rehabilitate, and return patients to the community.
16. Encourage patients to participate in social or recreational activities to develop/enhance interpersonal skills.
17. Assist medical staff with patient evaluations to determine any health and/or mental issues utilizing appropriate documentation (e.g., charts, assessment forms, etc.).
18. Assist patients with bathing, dressing, moving in bed, standing and walking to ensure patients perform daily activities and maintain personal hygiene.
Section 2: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ratings
This training and Experience examination is used to evaluate each candidate’s education, training, and experience related to the duties of this classification; and will account for 100% of the weight of your examination. Please note that your overall score will be determined solely by the information you provide on Sections 1 and 2. Information provided on screens prior to these sections will not be used to determine your final score. Therefore, please be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Instructions:
You will rate your experience in accordance to specific job-related knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. In responding to each item, reference any paid and/or unpaid experience (e.g., employment, education, volunteer work, etc.).
Knowledge Statements:
19. Knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to respond to emergency situations when needed.
20. Knowledge of pharmacology to administer and understand various types of medications and identify side effects or other medication issues.
21. Knowledge of self-defense techniques [e.g., Therapeutic Strategic Intervention (TSI)] to protect yourself and others against an assaultive patient.
22. Knowledge of public safety policies and procedures to maintain the safety and security of self, staff, and patients.
23. Knowledge of the fundamentals of nursing care (e.g., general behavioral and psychiatric procedures, patient behavior, etc.) to provide appropriate health care.
24. Knowledge of mental health principles, symptomology, and techniques to care and treat individuals or groups of mentally ill patients.
25. Knowledge of medical terminology to note and transcribe Physician’s orders and document entries in patient’s health record/chart.
26. Knowledge of current first aid methods (e.g., bandaging, cleaning basic wounds, etc.) to provide first aid to patients as necessary.
27. Knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability of Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect, control, and maintain the integrity of medical records.
Ability Statements
28. Ability to think and act quickly in emergencies to ensure security and the safety of self, staff, and patients.
29. Ability to make accurate counts of medication and calculate correct dosages to ensure appropriate amount of medication is administered to patient.
30. Ability to identify symptoms requiring medical or psychiatric attention for patients to ensure referral is made to appropriate health care staff.
31. Ability to communicate effectively between health care professionals and provide adequate documentation (e.g., procedures, vital signs, symptoms, etc.) to ensure continuity of care.
32. Ability to read and comprehend basic written materials (e.g., references, summaries, memos, letters, etc.) to apply information and determine appropriate courses of action.
33. Ability to maintain appropriate records (e.g., patient information, schedules, assignment records, special assignments, etc.) to ensure clear and concise record keeping.
34. Ability to develop clear and concise reports pertaining to patient behavior, patient progress, and incidents, to ensure confidentiality, timeliness, and accuracy.
35. Ability to apply effective treatment modalities for patient as ordered in the treatment plan to achieve patient’s understanding.
36. Ability to facilitate treatment groups to maintain a therapeutic environment, encourage patient’s participation, and monitor patient’s progress.
37. Ability to assist with individualized treatment plan programs (e.g., occupational, recreational, vocational, and educational therapy) for patients.