Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health Services

Genesis Healthcare System•University Heights, OH

About The Position

The Registered Nurse in Behavioral Health Services plans, provides, and/or supervises patient nursing care efficiently and compassionately. The role coordinates care planning with other caregivers and departments, follows universal precautions and infection-control policies, and works independently with minimal supervision. The position includes responsibility for assigned patients, medication administration, patient and family education, involvement of patients and families in care decisions, recognition and reporting of abuse or domestic violence, prioritization of care, vital-sign assessment, age-specific care, and appropriate delegation. For an RN/Chemical Dependency Counselor, additional duties include assessing and counseling chemically dependent clients in an outpatient setting using a biopsychosocial approach; educating clients and families about chemical dependency; conducting individual and group therapy and crisis and family interventions; and managing care plans for a caseload. The counselor also completes daily billing documentation, advocates for and supports clients, contributes community services and program development, documents care in the Electronic Medical Record, performs phlebotomy and nursing assessments, carries out physician orders, and performs other duties within the RN scope of practice.

Requirements

Current Ohio RN license.
ADN or BSN.
CPR certification, or ability to obtain it within 30 days of employment.
Complete phlebotomy classes within 90 days of employment; departmental training is provided.
Ability to read, write, and explain or describe moderately complex information to other hospital staff.
Attention to detail and ability to accurately take and record measurements or readings.
Ability to provide patient care in a warm and friendly manner.
Demonstrated competence in age-specific patient care, as documented by the attached checklist.
Aggression Management System training within six months of employment.
For the Chemical Dependency Counselor addendum: licensure by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board with at least Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant certification within six months of employment.
For the Chemical Dependency Counselor addendum: skills to provide care based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related criteria appropriate to patient age.
For the Chemical Dependency Counselor addendum: knowledge of chemical dependency processes and treatment modalities.
For the Chemical Dependency Counselor addendum: demonstrated skills appropriate for ASAM levels of care, SASSI, CIWA, COWS, and DSM V usage.
For the Chemical Dependency Counselor addendum: knowledge of chemical dependency and addiction sufficient to educate clients, families, and the community.
For the Chemical Dependency Counselor addendum: excellent written and verbal skills for working with multidisciplinary team members and community agencies.
For the Chemical Dependency Counselor addendum: AMS certification within 30 days of employment.
Ability to sit, stand, stoop, push, pull, bend, and walk for extended periods.
Ability to lift 50 pounds to waist level.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing and to observe, assess, guide, and evaluate others.
Ability to collect data, interpret findings, set priorities, and carry out an established plan.
Ability to read, calculate, and prepare medication; observe and analyze resulting reactions; and apply clinical knowledge.
Ability to deal with aggressive patients verbally and physically.

Responsibilities

Assume responsibility for an assigned group of patients and plan, provide, and/or supervise their nursing care.
Administer medications appropriately and carry out physician orders, including calling in medication orders when applicable.
Coordinate care planning with other caregivers and involve patients and families or significant others in care decisions.
Provide or facilitate patient and family education, including education about chemical dependency when working as a Chemical Dependency Counselor.
Recognize and report signs of abuse or domestic violence.
Use critical thinking to prioritize care for patients, self, and others, and delegate tasks according to patient acuity and staff skill level.
Assess and document vital signs, pain, patient needs, progress, assessments, and care plans in the Electronic Medical Record.
For the Chemical Dependency Counselor addendum, assist the medical director with rounds and update the medical director on patient needs.
Provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, family clinical interventions, and group discussions for chemically dependent clients.
Develop care plans and conduct biopsychosocial assessments, including nursing assessments, for clients with chemical dependency issues.
Act as client advocate, mediator, and facilitator, and use interviewing and supportive counseling skills.
Complete billing charges or sheets daily and use historical and current data when assessing patient needs.
Provide community services, including development of programs, and assist with orientation of new staff or students.
Cross-train as appropriate to credentials, licensure, scope of practice, and departmental needs.
Maintain patient and employee safety, confidentiality, infection-control practices, and a safe, clean, quiet, and healing environment.
Perform phlebotomy and other functions within the RN scope of practice as needed.