Occupation information for

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.

Currently Employed: 448

Yearly Projected Openings: 20

Typical Hourly Wage: $12.24 - $17.16

Typical Annual Salary: $25,400 - $35,700

• Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.
• Issue medications from dispensary and maintain records in accordance with specified procedures.
• Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or mentally retarded patients.
• Observe and influence patients' behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them.
• Administer oral medications or hypodermic injections, following physician's prescriptions and hospital procedures.
• Encourage patients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, or other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills or develop social relationships.
• Take and record measures of patients' physical condition, using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges.
• Develop or teach strategies to promote client wellness and independence.
• 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.
• Aid patients in performing tasks, such as bathing or keeping beds, clothing, or living areas clean.

• Glucose monitors or meters
• Lancets
• Oxygen therapy delivery system products accessories or its supplies
• Therapeutic heating or cooling pads or compresses or packs
• Vacuum blood collection tubes or containers

• Inventory management software
• Medical software
• Office suite software