Nurse, Children's Crisis

Jefferson Center for Mental Health • Lakewood, CO

11h • Onsite

About The Position

Jefferson Center is committed to inclusivity and equitable care for all. The Children's Crisis Stabilization Nurse will provide psychiatric nursing services and medication monitoring to children/youth in the Crisis Stabilization Unit. This role involves working three 12-hour shifts (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm). Responsibilities include overseeing all medication processes, administering medications, collaborating with the Medical Director and Prescriber on medication management, identifying potential physical health issues, and providing education to patients and families about diagnoses and treatment. The Children's Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) provides brief, 3-5 day crisis stabilization treatment for children and youth ages 5 to 18.5 with behavioral health issues, aiming to help them safely return home and to the community.

Requirements

• RN (BSN preferred) with two or more years of experience and/or training in a behavioral health setting.
• Candidate must have a good understanding of various medical conditions including emergent and nonemergent conditions, especially those pertaining to behavioral health patients.
• Candidate must have a basic understanding of using a trauma informed approach with patients including positive bed side manner.
• Applicant must have basic computer skills such as e-mail, electronic health record documentation, electronic prescribing, and electronic laboratory interface.
• Current and maintained BLS and First Aid Certification.
• Acquires and maintains certification in Nonviolent Crisis Prevention and Intervention Training (CPI).
• Maintain a working knowledge of commonly prescribed psychiatric medications including but not limited to interactions, side effects, contraindications, and therapeutic range of lab values.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years’ experience working with children/youth and families preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) competency preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychiatric nursing services and medication monitoring to children/youth in the Crisis Stabilization Unit.
• Provide oversight of all medication processes and administer medications to patients.
• Collaborate with the Medical Director and Prescriber in all phases of medication management, including assessing for side effects and follow-up.
• Identify potential physical problems and possible solutions impacting the health of children/youth in the Crisis Stabilization Unit.
• Provide group and individual education to children/youth and their families regarding physical and psychiatric diagnoses and treatment.
• Determine appropriateness of admission for patients based on assessment and reported medical conditions.
• Complete needs assessment with all patients and document medical and psychiatric findings in EHR, establishing a plan of care.
• Perform physical exams for every patient upon admission.
• Coordinate psychiatric exams within 24 hours of admission.
• Implement prescriber orders.
• Administer medications to patients and ensure Medication Administration Records (MAR) are updated.
• Coordinate prescription refills.
• Assist the treatment team in discharge planning.
• Order and review labs as requested by the Prescriber.
• Assess clients for medication efficacy and/or side effects.
• Provide medication education/medication groups for patients.
• Coordinate medication concerns with the Prescriber.
• Assist with milieu management.
• Develop therapeutic alliances with clients and work effectively and with cultural competence.
• Order, stock, and reconcile medication cabinets and order OTC medications and medical supplies.
• Ensure compliance with Health Department, OBH, Signal, and OSHA regulations.
• Complete and submit Medication Occurrence Reports on all medication errors.
• Perform routine medical procedures (blood pressure, pulse oximetry, temperature, urine drug testing, urine pregnancy testing, finger stick glucose testing, etc.).
• Collaborate with the Jefferson Center nursing team and other center teams.
• Identify risk factors for suicide, homicide, and/or grave disability and communicate to licensed staff.
• Interact with clients to provide guidance, safety, stability, and direction, including de-escalating potentially dangerous situations.
• Work collaboratively to innovate and problem-solve.
• Complete EHR documented history, physical and mental assessments, including a plan of care.
• Provide individual patient and group education regarding basic medical information.
• Provide medication documentation and administration.
• Assist milieu staff to evaluate a patient’s medical needs.
• Perform Emergency Procedures: CPR, First Aid, Narcan, Epi Pen, AED Use.
• Perform evaluations to determine emergent or urgent acute patient needs.
• Coordinate Primary Care appointments and follow-ups.
• Coordinate prescription refills, including verbal orders.
• Coordinate communication of medication side effects or problems with prescribing provider.
• Coordinate all aspects of patient care with the treatment team.
• Perform daily medication management oversight, including auditing, implementing protocols, monitoring quantities and refills, disposal of discontinued medications, OTC administration, reconciliation, accounting, MAR maintenance, allergy documentation, submission and review of medication occurrence reports, and assessing patients for efficacy/side effects.
• Provide training for QMAP staff.
• Communicate directly with patients to explain and support emotional and physical aspects of care and treatment.
• Communicate effectively with patients using respectful bedside manner.
• Communicate directly with patients to determine acute need for medical support.
• Use de-escalation techniques.
• Communicate directly with the Program Coordinator and Program Manager in collaboration for co-supervision with the Nursing Manager and the Medical Director regarding patient care.
• Attend mandatory in-services and comply with individualized training plans.
• Participate in supervision by coming prepared with an agenda, reporting high risk/problem cases, and utilizing a problem-solving approach.
• Meet with supervisor at specified intervals and times.
• Attend nursing meetings as scheduled.
• Work with patients to coordinate internal and external medical and psychiatric care.
• Exhibit enthusiasm, courtesy, adaptability, and flexibility.
• Maintain cooperative and respectful relationships with patients, staff, and community partners.
• Provide effective and timely responses to patient requests, needs, and issues.
• Provide timely responses to phone calls, e-mails, and other requests.
• Volunteer to work on Center-wide committees and/or task forces.
• Adapt to staffing needs and potentially be deployed to other units/teams.
• Utilize skills to support different teams or departments to address client needs within professional scope.

Benefits

• Salary Range: (RN): $74,030 to $94,270
• HIRING BONUS: $2,500 one-month anniversary, $2,500 6-month anniversary, $2,500 1-year anniversary ($7,500 total)
• The salary range above includes a 10% differential for working with youth in a 24/7 residential setting.
• The salary range above is based on 1.0 FTE (full time equivalent) or 40 hours per week. Less than 40 hours/week will be prorated and adjusted to the appropriate FTE.
• Based on full time (40 hours/week). Prorate if less than 40 hours/week
• Must work a minimum of 20 hours/week to be eligible for bonus
• Current Jefferson Center employees not eligible for sign on bonus
• Bonuses are not earned unless and until continuous employment reaches the bonus effective date

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees