Registered Nurse

TITLE:  REGISTERED NURSE

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Evaluates the health needs of clients in the program or requesting entry to the program. Provides assessment of clients and relays information to the Attending (Physician or Nurse Practitioner) regarding clinical symptoms for treatment orders.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interacts with the clients at the Rapid Access Center, health care professionals and referring agencies.  Provides necessary nursing care.
•  Assesses all admissions upon entry to the facility but no more than 4 hours of admission; confers with Physician or Nurse Practitioner when necessary.  Develop treatment plan and documents all interventions per standards.
• Monitors Controlled Medications logs; administers as per orders and counts at the start and end of every shift. Controlled medication chain of custody should be maintained at all times, with the locked storage box being secured at all times, when not in use.
• Monitors any diagnostic testing results and makes recommendations for care.
• Administers medication per orders.  Assess for additional interventions and advocates with the Nurse Practitioner or Physician on behalf of the client, to reduce stress, alleviate medical symptoms and avoid medical outcomes that are less than desirable.
• Trains and continuously evaluates all staff on medical policies and procedures.
• Oversight and guidance of non-medical and paraprofessional staff on safe care including the monitoring and reporting of vital signs every four (4) hours ; evaluation of clients within the milieu and how to intervene in specific medical situations.  Provides guidance to staff on their role in assisting the clients towards independence, including activities of daily living, communication and de-escalation techniques.
• Maintains adequate stock of medications and medical supplies by submitting orders to provider pharmacy as needed. Delegates ordering of other supplies to unit staff members and ensures the unit is well-stocked as needed for nights and weekends, while maintaining fiscal accountability.
• Maintains credentials as required by certifying/licensing body. Participates in professional development and in-service programs as required by position.
• Participates in improving organizational performance through involvement in agency and department quality improvement programs, as needed.
• 11.  Responsible for following all organization and department precautions and procedures in the performance of all duties to ensure a safe work environment for self and others.
• 12.  Promotes effective working relationships and works effectively as part of the departmental team to facilitate the meeting of departmental goals and objectives.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of medical policies and procedures and handle medical tools and equipment effectively (i.e. stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, audio scope, etc.).
• Must have knowledge of pharmacology, administration of medication and adverse reactions.
• Must have knowledge of crisis and medical emergency protocols.
• Must be able to administer First Aid, physical assessment and intra-muscular (IM) medication administration.
• Must have knowledge of infection control procedures.
• Assesses physical needs of clients and confer with physician when necessary and handles crisis and medical emergencies.
• Interfacing and networking with outside contacts.
• Must occasionally stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, reach, handle and lift.
• Close vision and color vision are required.
• Maintain a minimum of the company’s productivity requirements (75%) at all times.

 ADMINISTRATIVE:

• Maintain clinical and management records in accordance with assigned Services Programs.
• Completes Service Activity Logs (SALS) daily and monitors and documents absenteeism.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures and monitors infection control for facility.
• Sets up, monitors, administers and documents medication therapy.
• Other responsibilities and tasks as may be requested from time to time.

GENERAL:

• Conduct all professional activity in an ethical manner.
• Conform to all applicable policies and procedures.
• In conjunction with other staff assist in identifying and eliminating any situation which jeopardizes the health and/or safety of clients, staff, or others who come in contact with community mental health center operations.
• Utilize literature, workshops and other training aids to continually improve clinical and administrative skills.
• In conjunction with supervisor, complete and implement Individual Professional Development Plan.
• Assist in assuring Edgewater Systems compliance with all related licensing and accreditation requirements.

SUPERVISED BY: Unit Supervisor

WORKERS SUPERVISED:

Non-medical and medical personnel while on duty including Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nurses’ Aides, Mental Health Technicians and Medical Assistants.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education – Degree from an accredited nursing program is required.
• Licensures/Certifications – A current Indiana license as a Registered Nurse.
• Experience – Minimum of one year experience in psychiatric nursing, in an adult in-patient unit or child/adolescent unit is required.
• Other – Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Furnish own inspected, automobile as needed for Center work and transportation of clients.
  • A good driving record.
  • Appropriate automobile insurance and valid license tags.