Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.
<ul><li>Take and record measures of patients' physical condition, using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges.</li><li>Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.</li><li>Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or mentally retarded patients.</li><li>Observe and influence patients' behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them.</li><li>Collaborate with or assist doctors, psychologists, or rehabilitation therapists in working with mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or developmentally disabled patients to treat, rehabilitate, and return patients to the community.</li><li>Encourage patients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, or other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills or develop social relationships.</li><li>Restrain violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means as required.</li><li>Train or instruct new employees on procedures to follow with psychiatric patients.</li><li>Develop or teach strategies to promote client wellness and independence.</li></ul>