About The Position

Performs direct patient care duties as assigned or delegated by the Charge Nurse to meet the physical, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of the psychiatric and/or chemically dependent patient. Delivers care to patients (voluntary and involuntary) of all ages and demonstrates knowledge of population-specific developmental tasks gained through training and experience. As delegated, performs basic nursing activities and additional clinical responsibilities as appropriate and necessary for patient population served.

Requirements

  • High School diploma or equivalent or post-secondary degree in a related field of study.
  • No previous experience required.
  • Acute Inpatient Hospital Care or Long-Term Care experience preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Attends to mentally ill and/or chemically dependent patients with active and reflective listening, demonstrating a caring and therapeutic manner.
  • Provides individualized care to both voluntary and involuntary patients in a manner that considers age-appropriateness, safety, comfort, and the therapeutic environment.
  • Interacts and assesses assigned patients for level of functioning and mental status.
  • Observes, collects, and communicates relevant patient information and communicates this verbally and via the medical record to other treatment team members.
  • Provides timely documentation in the medical record on assigned patients in legible, accurate and appropriate format following hospital and unit procedures.
  • Monitors patients' level of distress, anxiety, and/or agitation to reduce or prevent incidents.
  • Responds to patient crisis and/or codes via utilization of de-escalation and de-stimulation techniques.
  • Attends and/or facilitates therapeutic groups and psycho-educational programs.
  • Utilizes a variety of psycho-therapeutic techniques, demonstrating knowledge of mental health principles and practices.
  • Upholds patient confidentiality at all times, using exceptional judgment to ensure patient privacy and dignity.
  • Establishes positive relationships with team members and practices effective communication.
  • Provides excellent customer service to patients, physicians, and other staff members by responding promptly and appropriately to inquiries and requests.
  • Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of patient treatment programs.
  • Provides input and suggestions for improvement in unit and facility processes.
  • Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
  • Informs Charge Nurse or direct supervisor of any activities, issues, concerns that may impact patient safety or the therapeutic milieu.
  • Collects and documents vital signs, weighs patients, and collects routine urine specimens, clean catch urine specimens, stool specimens, and sputum specimens, and other duties as assigned or requested.
  • Performs point of care testing as trained and delegated by RN.
  • Attends staff meetings regularly, participates in annual in-services and mandatory educational experiences.
  • Keeps abreast of current psychiatric issues and methods.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
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