Psychiatric Technician

Working Schedule

• Psychiatric Technicians work either full-time or part-time jobs. They may spend time outdoors with patients, and are usually on their feet most of the day. Schedules can include shifts during nights, weekends, and holidays.   

Typical Duties

• Assist with intake and discharging of patients
• Review relevant details on patient medical histories 
• Watch their behavior and pay attention to the problems they state
• Pay close attention to orders that doctors give regarding treatment and handling
• Take notes about disturbing behavior or statements, to share with relevant medical staff such as psychiatrists 
• Direct patient activities during therapy activities
• Administer medications as needed, through oral and intravenous delivery
• Perform routine medical checks such as taking vital signs
• Physically assist patients who need help with hygiene or eating meals 
• Take active measures to ensure patients are protected from themselves and each other, to include physically restraining those displaying violent or suicidal behavior

Additional Responsibilities

• Train new staff as needed
• Escort patients to appointments, when necessary
• Reach out to their relatives as directed, to schedule meetings 
• Liaison with other medical professionals 

Soft Skills

• Active listening
• Calm under pressure
• Clear, articulate speaking skills
• Compassionate
• Decisive
• Patient
• Perceptive
• Persuasive and motivated
• Rational and good with problem solving 
• Understanding of basic psychology 
• Physical fitness and stamina
• Safety- and security-conscious 
• Team player

Technical Skills

• Inventory management software 
• Medical programs such as Allscripts Sunrise Clinical Manager, GE Healthcare Centricity EMR, and MEDITECHBehavioral Health
• General office applications
• Drug administration techniques

• General hospitals
• Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals
• Residential and outpatient mental health facilities/substance abuse centers
• State agencies    
• Jails
• Special school programs
• Mobile teams/Crisis units

Psychiatric Technicians work with people who cannot always control their own behavior. They might have emotional outbursts, yelling, cursing, or even becoming physically violent. Technicians have reported high risks of on-the-job personal injury, so must be able to take care of their own safety while preventing patients from hurting themselves or others. 
 
Technicians must have strong nerves, composure, and the ability to withstand possible verbal abuse from angry, uncooperative patients. They’ll also need sufficient physical strength and stamina to stand for extended periods and to lift or hold patients. Duty hours vary, but since many facilities are open ‘round-the-clock, night and weekend shifts are common. Sometimes that's a challenge for workers with families. There is also, of course, an emotional toil that comes with working around persons who suffer from mental health issues, so Technicians must tend to their own wellness needs and recognize signs or symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression. 

Psychiatric facilities have not always had the best historical track records when it comes to patient care, but luckily modern policies have led to significant improvements. A focus on improving care and outcomes has extended into the hiring practices of Psychiatric Technicians, who must be well-trained and qualified to work with patients. Indeed, patient-centered care is a critical goal that requires a deeper commitment and more collaboration among associated team members. 
 
Another trend relates to the advent of telehealth, with increasing outpatient work being done online. How this impacts the job outlook for Technicians remains to be seen, but so far job growth is expected to continue at a good pace. As Americans live longer, their rates of cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s and other issues continue to expand, and telehealth is not always a viable option. They need direct, in-person assistance to function safely. 

Psychiatric Technicians embrace challenges and may possess a combination of traits ranging from compassion to firmness and persistence. Being able to manage unruly patients requires a unique mix of skills that were likely developed early on. For example, growing up with a sibling or parent coping with a mental health disorder or substance abuse problem might have offered insights into associated behaviors and ways to deal with them. Since physical stamina is required as well as mental fortitude, it’s probable that Psychiatric Technicians participated in sports or athletics, which not only helped them stay in shape but also developed their drive and determination.