Psychiatric Aide how-to

How to Check for Contraband

Searches keep units safe.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Searches keep units safe. In short: follow; explain; search, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Follow policy.

  2. Explain respectfully.

  3. Search belongings.

  4. Remove hazards.

  5. Document.

  6. Return allowed items.

Safety reminders for psychiatric aides

  • Use de-escalation first
  • Follow observation orders
  • Remove hazards
  • Report incidents

Safety rounds · De-escalation · Milieu · Elopement · Suicide precautions · Restraint: see the full psychiatric aide glossary.

More psychiatric aide how-to guides

Learn this in Psychiatric Aide trainingTake the practice test
Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz