Milieu Specialist

Works collaboratively with members of the interdisciplinary care team, especially nursing, and including therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, and others, to facilitate, organize, and implement a stable milieu structure and seamless operation of the unit. Plays a key role in the safety of patients and staff by providing ongoing training and support in accordance with individual patient treatment plans, quality improvement program objectives, as well as hospital policy.

Establishes and maintains cohesiveness among the team through effective milieu management and demonstrated competency with Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® techniques that prevent and de-escalate challenging behaviors, especially in medium to high-risk situations. Serves as a preceptor and role model to others within the milieu. Demonstrates understanding and commitment to Rogers’ mission, vision, and values. Job Duties & Responsibilities : Conduct daily safety and environmental rounds and communicate concerns to nursing and clinical leadership in real time to enable timely follow-up and resolution. Comply with regulatory and accreditation requirements, along with organizational policy.

Check-in with nurse manager/charge nurse at start of shift to get direction on how to effectively assist on the assigned unit(s). Assess/reassess the units throughout each shift and work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary care team to implement safety best practices and interventions, as applicable, especially during situations when a patient is in crisis or exhibiting challenging or medium to high-risk behaviors. Serve as Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) member and assist in formal staff debriefings following codes. Participate and lead specific emergency situations (“codes”) occurring on the unit.

Assist units with checking in patient belongings, visitation, admissions, discharges, and providing staffing coverage during coworkers’ breaks or absences (e.g., paid time off, leave of absence, etc.). Attend unit shift to shift report (daily). Assist nursing leadership in precepting Mental Health Technicians (MHTs).

Provide ongoing staff/unit training on: Milieu management De-escalation techniques Decision making matrix Use of verbal communication techniques that are clear and calm Responding to patient expressed problems/conditions in a professional manner that creates a sense of trust Patient rounding observations Searches of person, belongings (including belongings check-in), and environment 1:1 patient monitoring Group observation Demonstrate collaborative teamwork when assisting patients in crisis. Collaborate with staff and leadership to meet customer service and clinical quality outcomes.

Conduct daily hand-off communication at the end of each shift that includes, at a minimum, the following: Relevant information regarding patient behavioral plans, changes in patient behaviors, and/or observed patients’ behaviors while on a 1:1 (“line of sight”) or unit/peer restriction…

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