Creating Spiritual Spaces for All
August 5, 2023
Employee Spotlight: Katie Wahl
October 16, 2023
Employee Spotlight: Rosemary Miceli
The single most important mission at Shodair is the safety of our patients.
And at the frontlines of this care, from a patient’s first day on a unit until their last, is a group of individuals who patiently sit, listen, and walk alongside our patients during their worst times and their best. From nightly check-ins to off-site appointments and group therapy sessions, our Mental Health Technicians (MHTs) are in place to guard, care for, and advocate for every individual who walks through our doors – a task that though challenging can often be one of the most rewarding. Especially for those who bring as much grace and compassion to the position as Rosemary Miceli, an MHT3 who has been with Shodair for nearly two years and is one of a few who take the humble charge of training and overseeing our new MHTs.
From brainstorming innovative solutions to working with our team to improve care, we are honored to highlight Rosemary and the integral care she brings to Shodair each and every day. Keep reading for some everyday inspiration, a “day-in-the-life of an MHT,” and a few reasons why you, too, should consider a career in mental health.
I am a work in progress! My philosophy in life is to not be part of the problem but be part of the solution. I am inquisitive and always looking for new and better ways to do things. I am empathetic and have a strong desire to help those in need. I love learning and place a high priority on continuing education. I am an advocate of mental health care and suicide prevention. I love being outdoors camping and fly-fishing with my husband…he fishes while I strap on my waders and wander the river or sit in the boat and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. I also enjoy hiking, biking, and running. I am a mom to three amazing children who have flown the nest and Nana to four sweet grandchildren.
Personally, as an MHT3, I spend most of my time training new hires and helping to implement new protocols. As a whole, though, the top priority of an MHT is to make sure that the patients are safe at all times. This includes active supervision, completing room checks on patients with a precaution status, and completing pocket checks on all patients any time they are returning from an activity in an area other than their home unit. A typical weekday starts at 6:00 am, where the MHTs will set up charting paperwork and the morning hygiene needs. Once the patients are awake, the MHTs assist and interact with them throughout the day. We make sure the patients get their meals and snacks, take them to school, assist in the classroom, and also take them to any appointments outside of Shodair that they may have. The MHTs are responsible for attending group therapy with the patients as well as leading and/or attending any other group activity. MHTs are always available to talk to the patients and support them in their physical and emotional needs – sometimes the patients just need someone to listen.
It is always challenging when you have patients who choose not to focus on their treatment and waste their treatment time at Shodair. Many of these patients return more than once. The successes I have seen are when you see a patient in their first week when they are at their lowest point and watch as they eventually embrace their treatment and leave with new skills and a new attitude for a new life outside of inpatient treatment. I have seen many of both situations.
I would have to say, “hope.” My goal is to help patients realize that with the proper treatment plan and follow up in place, they can overcome the dark days and live a life that is worth living.
The most exciting thing for me is that we have so many windows! The natural light and beautiful views bring a good vibe to the units.
If you have any interest in mental health at all, do it! The MHT position at Shodair is a great place to start. Mental health affects everyone, not just the person with mental health issues and the need for mental health workers is growing. My best advice for anyone looking into working in mental health would be to make your own physical and mental health needs a priority. You can’t help others if you are not in a good place.
Join Our Team
From medical genetics and inpatient psychiatry to special education and speech pathology, Shodair is made up of some of the strongest and most passionate professionals in their field, all driving toward one goal: Building hope for Montana families. And, you can be, too. Having just completed our new state-of-the-art hospital building – intentionally designed and equipped to meet the needs of both staff and patients – we are currently looking for resilient, mission-minded individuals to join our dynamic team! If that sounds like you (we think it might), head on over to our career page to view a full list of opportunities and fill out an application today.
