RN Acute, PRN

AltaPointe Health•Mobile, AL

About The Position

The RN Acute works at the Behavioral Health Crisis Center, a 24/7/365 facility serving Mobile County and surrounding counties. The Center provides crisis de-escalation and resolution and includes a living-room model staffed by peer specialists, an 18-recliner temporary observation unit, and a six-bed extended observation unit. The RN Acute provides nursing care and support to consumers throughout admission, treatment, and discharge. The role involves coordinating with physicians, nurses, social workers, referral sources, outside agencies, and the multidisciplinary team; providing education and emergency care; and helping consumers with personal care. The RN may work on any unit as facility needs dictate and serve as Charge Nurse when needed. The position also includes clinical documentation, professional development, participation in quality-improvement and committee activities, and compliance with facility policies and professional standards.

Requirements

Current RN license to practice in the State of Alabama.
Attain knowledge in the adult specialty outlined in the posting within six months of employment.
Knowledge of psychiatric disorders in adult and child populations.
Knowledge of general and psychiatric nursing care.
Knowledge of growth and development across intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects.
Knowledge of substance use disorders and treatment.
Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Basic knowledge of medical terminology in psychiatric care.
Familiarity with psychopharmacy and psychotropic medications for adults.
Knowledge of behavior management, crisis intervention, interventions common to acute psychotic consumers, and non-violent crisis intervention practice.
Knowledge of instruction, teaching tools, and educational methods appropriate for adults.
Knowledge of family dynamics.
Knowledge of the effects and treatment of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect.
Knowledge of cultural diversity.

Responsibilities

Complete timely admissions according to diversion center policies and procedures, prioritizing customer service for staff and consumers during admissions, referral-source contact, care, and support.
Ensure the needs of consumers, referral sources, physicians, and the facility are met.
Evaluate consumer needs and report relevant admission information to physicians, nurses, and social workers as needed.
Complete consumer discharge processes according to policy and procedure for nurses on units.
Plan, conduct, and document individual and group patient education.
Educate consumers and families about treatment plans, medication compliance and side effects, disease management, and other applicable topics.
Complete medical and dietary consultations as needed.
Communicate with physicians and outside agencies about consumers’ physical and mental conditions.
Initiate and implement multidisciplinary treatment plans, coordinate with the multidisciplinary team, and participate in ongoing plan development.
Provide emergency care as needed, including CPR, Mindset, and PRN medications, according to AltaPointe policies and procedures.
Assist consumers with bathing, toileting, and other personal hygiene routines.
Work on any unit as directed by the Nurse Manager based on facility needs.
Recognize crisis states and de-escalate or resolve situations.
Assist with seclusions and restraints according to AltaPointe policy and procedure.
Support hospital cost containment through responsible time management and use of unit supplies.
Demonstrate adult and child competencies and adhere to the professional code of ethics.
Serve as Charge Nurse as needed, overseeing routine task assignments of RNs, LPNs, Mental Health Technicians, MAs, and behavioral staff.
Initiate and administer IV fluids according to provider orders, facility policies, and applicable nursing standards.
Seek clinical supervision and consultation, accept and apply improvement suggestions, and work to enhance clinical skills.
Document promptly and according to AltaPointe policy; maintain clear, concise, accurate, current, and legible clinical records.
Treat consumers with care, dignity, compassion, respect for privacy and confidentiality, and sensitivity to individual needs and differences.
Maintain pleasant and cooperative relationships with consumers, visitors, and coworkers; assist consumers and visitors as needed; and remain calm and gentle with consumers and families.
Participate in Performance Improvement activities and AltaPointe committees as required.
Complete assigned tasks in a timely manner and access community resources appropriate to consumer needs.
Follow AltaPointe policies and procedures, maintain current state licensure and renewal requirements, and attend required in-services and workshops.