Mary Susan Sterrett
Riverview,FL
Summary
Experienced behavioral health support professional with strengths in de-escalation, patient safety, and clinical documentation. Known for calm communication, careful observation, and dependable team collaboration.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Nursing Assistant
Legacy Heights
Charlotte, North Carolina
01.2008 - 12.2009
Mental Health Technician
Center for Mental Health
Charlotte, North Carolina
03.1990 - 09.1999
- Observed patient behavior and recorded changes for clinical team review.
- Supported crisis intervention with calm communication and safety protocols.
- Assisted with therapeutic activities and supervised patient group participation.
- Kept unit clean, organized, and ready for daily operations.
- Coordinated patient transport, appointments, and care team handoffs.
- Monitored patient behavior and documented changes for clinical team review.
- Assisted crisis intervention using calm communication and safety protocols.
- Led therapeutic activities and supervised patient participation in groups.
- Maintained unit cleanliness, order, and readiness for daily operations.
- Supported Center for Mental Health patients during admission, discharge, and daily routines.
- Reported safety concerns and followed behavioral health standards throughout shifts.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to help manage patient behavior.
- Ensured safety of all clients through continuous observation and monitoring during shift hours.
- Observed and documented changes in patient behavior and reported any significant changes to the clinical team.
- Established trusting relationships with clients by demonstrating empathy and understanding towards them.
- Modeled appropriate communication and problem-solving skills in crisis situations involving patients, family or staff.
- Delivered personalized communication to enhance patient service experience.
- Monitored vital signs, including pulse, respiration and temperature, of psychiatric patients.
- Recorded client movement in and out of the unit, noting times and locations.
- Documented observations, interventions and concerns in patient charts and electronic systems, sustaining continuum of care from admission through to discharge.
- Implemented therapeutic techniques such as art therapy, recreational therapy or music therapy.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals such as social workers, psychiatrists, counselors and nurses to coordinate quality care for each client.
- Documented patient interactions in compliance with HIPAA requirements.
- Assisted in the development of individualized treatment plans for patients.
- Encouraged positive behaviors through rewards systems when appropriate.
- Supervised visitors entering the facility according to established security protocols.
- Created activities that promoted physical wellness, emotional stability, cognitive functioning, independent living skills and social interaction among patients.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions under supervision of a mental health professional.
- Supported clients in developing daily living skills such as budgeting money or time management.
- Participated in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress and plan further interventions.
- Maintained accurate records regarding treatments provided, medication administration and patient progress notes.
- Actively participated in continuing education programs related to mental health care delivery.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Belmont Abbey College
Belmont, NC05-1989
Skills
- Vital signs monitoring
- Patient hygiene care
- Activities of daily living
- Electronic charting
- Infection control
- Patient care coordination
- Behavioral health support
- Safety protocols
- Transfer assistance
- Clinical documentation
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- De-escalation techniques
- Attention to detail
- Documentation expert
- Indirect patient care
- Care plan implementation
- Direct patient care
- Interdisciplinary communication
- Compassionate
- Vital sign recording
- Calm and level-headed under duress
- Reliable transportation
- Trustworthy companion
- Restraint application
- Activity planning
- Recording vital signs
- Patient assessments
Timeline
Certified Nursing Assistant
Legacy Heights
01.2008 - 12.2009
Mental Health Technician
Center for Mental Health
03.1990 - 09.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Belmont Abbey College