RN

IMMEDIATELY HIRING

Shifts available: 3pm-11:30pm OR 11pm-7:30am

Primary Responsibilities and Job Specifications

Assessment - Applies appropriate theory/standards for decisions/actions regarding nursing procedures.

1. Assessments reflect use of nursing psychiatric/mental health theory and standards of practice.
2. Completes assessment within eight hours of admission.
3. Re-assessment occurs when changes in behavior/condition warrant same.
4. Data collection is accurate and comprehensive.

Treatment Planning - The plan of care is based on assessment of patient needs and goals.

1. The plan is realistic and appropriate to identified mental health needs/problems.
2. Plan reflects consideration of: cultural background, religion, age, disabilities, etc.
3. Goals are related to identified problems - nursing interventions are appropriate to patient goals.

Intervention/Evaluation - Uses psychotherapeutic interventions to assist patients and families in attaining goals.

1. Interventions are age appropriate and based on patient plan.
2. Interventions consider cultural background, religion, age, disabilities, etc.
3. Communicate to interdisciplinary team, patients' response to interventions: verbal, written changes in treatment plan, daily report.
4. Physician orders are transcribed and administered accurately.
5. Medications are administered safely and accurately.
6. Documentation adequately reflects acuity (physical and emotional status). Response to interventions and progress towards goals.
7. Teaching: Provide education to patients and families based on identified needs; evaluate all teaching; document effectiveness of teaching; provide medication education and discharge instructions.
8. Treatment Plan feedback access to interdisciplinary treatment team and interventions are evaluated.

Age Specific - Adolescents

1. Assess adolescent patients for behaviors consistent with developmental stages and makes note of deviation.
2. Recognize "acting out" behavior and set age appropriate limits; set limits in clear, concise behavioral and non-judgmental terms.
3. Demonstrate an awareness of learning disabilities and translate program expectations in a manner which is understandable to the learning disabled adolescent.
4. Knowledge of the adolescent stages of development. Seek guidance from the nurse in charge when questions about the norms of behavior related to adolescent development arise.
5. Knowledge of the Adolescent Program rules, protocols and handbook. Act as a resource to other staff in regard to the program.

Age Specific - Adult

1. Gather information from the patient and use judgment based on knowledge of adult behaviors and medical history in treatment planning and interventions.
2. Possess skills/knowledge to perform treatments (e.g., medications, equipment, etc.).
3. Utilize restraint procedures applicable to adult body size and past history of violent or emotional behaviors.
4. Maintain current knowledge of the program and protocol (policies and procedures) guidelines.
5. Utilize theoretical concepts to guide the effective practice of adult care within specific standards of care for this age group.
6. Ability to involve family in decision making related to the plan of care.
7. Possess communication skills necessary to interpret age specific response to treatment.

Age Specific - Geriatric

1. Maintain knowledge of the developmental tasks and sociological theories of aging.
2. Utilize theoretical concepts to guide the effective practice of gerontological health care and behavioral care.
3. Gather appropriate information from the patient and use judgments based on knowledge of gerontological health/behavioral care practices to develop a comprehensive plan of care.
4. Utilize interventions based on gerontological theory to restore patients' functional capabilities and to prevent complications and excess disability.
5. Maintain a complete knowledge of treatments, medications and side effects of such in the geriatric age group.
6. Possess communication skills necessary to interpret age specific response to treatment.
7. Ability to involve family or significant other in decision making related to plan of care.
8. Utilize restraint procedures applicable to body size and past history of violent or emotional behaviors.

Specific Standards for the Care of Chemically Dependent Patients

1. Assess patient needs as related to chemical dependency and document the plan of care from the admission through discharge.
2. Collaborate with other chemical dependency staff professionals in planning for discharge and follow up care.
3. Maintain an awareness of how personal issues relating to co-dependency can impact work performance and relationships.
4. Recognize and establish limits on medication seeking behaviors.
5. Knowledge of the Chemical Dependency detox protocols, 12-step program, Post-Acute Detox symptom management.

Leadership Performance Improvement

1. Effectively participate with team in planning and providing care.
2. Demonstrate customer service when dealing with: Patients, families, calls to other units, other team members, other departments, physicians, etc.
3. Create a "positive" environment.
4. Assure structure of program is maintained. Ensure 15 minute patient rounds are completed.
5. Supervise Mental Health Technicians (MHTs) and create work assignments (if necessary).
6. Resource and assist staff.
7. Ability to manage and coordinate in unpredictable and changing situations.
8. Discuss problems/issues with Unit Coordinator or Shift Supervisor.
9. Participate in orientation of new staff, students and others.
10. Participate in providing feedback for evaluation of staff.
11. Identify specific areas for improvement.
12. Participate in performance improvement activities/committees.
13. Participate in improving and changing the program.

General Knowledge, Skills and Expectations

1. Knowledge of psychiatric and medical nursing procedures.
2. General knowledge of psychiatric diagnosis and treatments.
3. Knowledge of all code procedures.
4. Knowledge of mental health laws and child abuse/neglect/mistreatment laws.
5. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
6. Knowledge of case management techniques.
7. Knowledge of patient assessment, family motivating and treatment planning techniques.
8. Knowledge of patients' rights, advance directives, adult and child abuse laws and emergency detention regulations.
9. Adhere to facility, department, corporate, personnel and standard policies and procedures.
10. Attend all mandatory facility in services and staff development activities as scheduled.
11. Adhere to facility standards concerning conduct, dress, attendance and punctuality.
12. Support facility wide qualify/performance improvement goals and objectives.
13. Maintain confidentiality of facility employees and patient information.
14. Knowledge of TJC, CMS and state regulatory agencies.
15. Skill in telephone etiquette and paging procedures.
16. Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with patients and co-workers.
17. Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.
18. Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication. Ability to work as a team player.
19. Ability to accept direction and adheres to policies and procedures and meet directions.