Registered Nurse - PHP/IOP

Rogers Memorial Hospital•Madison, WI

About The Position

The Registered Nurse performs professional nursing activities for patients in the PHP/IOP setting to help them achieve or regain and maintain optimal physical, emotional, and social functioning. Practice is governed by the applicable Nurse Practice Act, state Administrative Code, professional nursing standards, and Rogers Memorial Hospital policies and procedures. The nurse consults with other members of the health team as appropriate and works with Patient Accounts to provide patient information needed for compliance with federal and state statutes. The nurse completes and documents assessments, develops and updates treatment plans, implements and evaluates patient care, administers and monitors medications, provides patient and family education, and advocates for patient rights, safety, privacy, and confidentiality. The role includes identifying changes in patient condition and safety risks, using appropriate interventions, coordinating unit activities, and assuming charge nurse and leadership functions as needed. The nurse also participates in continuing education, performance improvement, committees, unit projects, and efforts to support department goals and the hospital’s mission. A $2,500 new employee retention bonus is offered to eligible new employees who have not been employed with Rogers for more than six months. A BSN is preferred. The role requires an active registered nurse license in good standing in the state of employment, CPR certification or certification within 30 days of hire, and training in management of the aggressive patient within 60 days of hire. Additional requirements may apply to Child/Adolescent Day Treatment programs and to employees designated as qualified medical professionals (QMPs).

Requirements

Registered nurse license in good standing with the State Board of Nursing in the state of employment.
American Health Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification, or obtain certification within 30 days of hire; recertification is required every two years.
Formal training in management of the aggressive patient within 60 days of hire; annual recertification is required.
For employees in Child/Adolescent Day Treatment programs licensed under HFS §40: training in psychiatric nursing, including work with children with mental health disorders, or one year of clinical experience working with these children.
May be required, at the hospital’s discretion, to hold a qualified medical professional (QMP) designation and demonstrate competence under the Medical Staff bylaws; competency is evaluated and potentially renewed at least annually.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN).
Previous psychiatric experience with children, adolescents, and adults.

Responsibilities

Complete initial assessments and document required information within prescribed timeframes, including patient strengths, limitations, cultural and spiritual factors, discharge needs, medical status, medication history, and age-specific needs.
Involve patient support systems in assessment and documentation when appropriate, including observing patient interactions and obtaining relevant history from family or friends.
Advocate for patients by explaining rights, obtaining required signatures and consents, protecting privacy and confidentiality, and assisting with orientation.
Follow hospital policies for unit safety and admission procedures, including gown and contraband searches, while responding sensitively to patient and family stressors.
Initiate, develop, review, and update treatment plans and documentation; collaborate with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary team; and represent nursing care at conferences.
Review assessment and diagnostic information, current laboratory data, and patient status; consult with physicians and other health professionals as appropriate.
Assess for falls, self-abuse, suicidality, assaultive behavior, withdrawal, medication side effects, and significant cardiac or respiratory symptoms; initiate appropriate precautions and interventions.
Administer medications safely, transcribe and implement physician orders, monitor therapeutic and adverse effects and interactions, educate patients about medications, and document care and responses.
Identify changes in condition or impending instability and intervene appropriately to prevent adverse outcomes, using appropriate de-escalation and safety measures.
Identify patient and family health education needs, provide age-appropriate teaching, and document education in the patient record and treatment plan.
Organize and implement patient care according to patient priorities, established care plans, hospital policies, unit standards, and age-specific and cultural needs.
When requested and appropriately designated, ensure admissions, transfers, and related activities comply with EMTALA and associated requirements.
Adhere to nursing and patient-care standards and protect patients, visitors, and staff by following safety and infection-control practices.
Participate in continuing education, in-service programs, and performance improvement activities; attend required in-services and share relevant educational information with unit staff.
Assist in developing and implementing unit standards of care; identify system, communication, resource, equipment, and supply issues and suggest solutions.
Serve on a unit-based committee or participate in ongoing unit projects; contribute to projects as a leader when appropriate.
Participate in nursing and hospital committees and designated meetings; evaluate and improve unit standards of care.
Assume charge nurse responsibilities, including coordinating unit activities, facilitating admissions, leading in crises, communicating unit status and needs, managing the therapeutic milieu, and planning patient assignments.
Supervise and delegate tasks to LPNs and psychiatric technicians according to their training and demonstrated abilities; serve as a role model in communication, teaching, and leadership.
Provide complete acuity monitors to Patient Accounts to support accurate billing; maintain a primary caseload and direct patient care according to unit standards.
Develop professional growth goals, pursue continuing education and other development opportunities, discuss progress with the Clinical Services manager, and seek tasks or projects based on unit needs.
Promote department goals and the hospital’s mission, maintain department policies and procedures, communicate relevant requirements, and educate new staff as directed.
Train student interns in the department as directed.