Registered Nurse RN Mental Health

Summary

This position functions as a Registered Nurse (RN) providing direct care to patients on the Mental Health Unit using the nursing process. This includes ongoing assessment of the total patient. The RN provides interventions to treat the presenting symptoms and evaluates the effect of nursing interventions and patient’s responses. The role functions as a team member and resource to others. The RN delegates, oversees and provides direction to Mental Health Counselors.

The RN is responsible for meeting the needs of all types of psychiatric patients, including those with medical complications.

• Provides high quality, evidence based nursing care to patients using neurobiological and cognitive-behavioral frameworks and techniques. (25%)
• Using the nursing process, completes assessments, provides interventions and evaluates patient outcomes according to the appropriate pathway guidelines. (25%)
• Provides education to patients on illness, coping alternatives and relapse prevention. (20%)
• Delegates, oversees and provides direction to Mental Health Counselor team members. (15%)
• Takes initiative to provide appropriate activities for patients when needed (such as during evenings or weekends). (15%)

• RN:
  Registered Nurse – Qualification Source: MI – Essential: true
• BLS:
  Basic Life Support – Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Within 1 month of hire or transfer – Qualification Source: AHA – Essential: true
• Fingerprinting – Essential: true
• Recipient Rights – Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Mandatory Recipient Rights training within 30 days of hire and annually – Essential: true
• iChat (annually on Hire Date) – Essential: true
• TEAM ADVANCED:
  Techniques for Effective Aggression Management – Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Within 6 months of hire or transfer (Employees who are in this position on or before 12/31/2023 will have 24 months to complete this certification) – Essential: true

• Associates Degree in Nursing – Essential: true
• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing – Preferred
• Education Specialization:
  
  NRG

• Communicates information accurately and effectively (verbal and written) to treatment team, to patient, to family, to other appropriate agencies.
• Demonstrates interest and pursues advancement of clinical skills (asks questions, seeks feedback, shares articles, attends continuing education opportunities, enrolls in classes).
• Monitors and manages the milieu to maintain a safe environment.
• Identifies and intervenes appropriately in any potential crisis.
• Possesses crisis intervention skills.
• Keeps updated on the use of nonphysical and physical management techniques and implements using sound judgment and according to established current policy.
• Conducts groups – provides individual education as appropriate.
• Maintains patient dignity and rights.
• Collaborates effectively with other departments and agencies on behalf of the patient.
• Documents according to policy.
• Monitors and documents changes in patient status.
• Participates in performance improvement projects.
• Completes admission assessments in an accurate, complete, and timely manner.
• Correctly completes basic nursing tasks such as obtaining vital signs, weight, I&O, specimen collection and assistance with personal care.
• Correctly assesses and utilizes seclusion and restraints and documents according to policy.
• Behaves in a courteous, professional manner at all times with patients, visitors, and co‑workers.
• Conveys a positive attitude and works with others to constructively solve identified problems.
• Knowledgeable about mental health code and is a patient advocate.
• Knowledge and ability to work with probate courts and attorneys to resolve patient legal issues.
• Follows hospital policy and procedures.
• Has working knowledge of computers, phones, and the equipment on the unit.
• Responds to all disasters and codes promptly and correctly.
• Administers medications as ordered.
• Obtains and transcribes physician orders.
• Completes nursing assessments, performs ongoing assessments and communicates patient status and changes to physician and other team members as appropriate.
• Attends treatment team meetings.
• Provides nursing treatments, such as dressing…