Registered Nurse (Mental Health)

Job Summary:

The Registered Nurse provides safe, effective, and quality nursing care for the Patients at the Hospital. The RN monitors and guides nursing activities performed by all nursing personnel and Mental Health Workers on an assigned shift when serving as Charge Nurse.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

• Adhere to Facility/Hospital standard operating procedures and processes as well as best nursing practices.

• When acting as Charge nurse, present or supervise change of shift report.

• Work with the Director of Nursing to make daily shift assignments and plan, organize, and direct the nursing activities of the unit to assure that quality care is provided in compliance with facility and regulatory standards.

• As Charge Nurse supervise admissions and ensure accurate and complete written documentation in the medical record and prompt referral to appropriate consultants.

• Conduct admission assessment for newly admitted Patients.

• Responsible for ensuring all Patients are discharged according to Facility requirements.

• Actively participate in treatment team meetings and treatment plans.

• Perform clinical procedures within the scope of practice as directed by the Physician.

• Provide medication services including administration accurately and maintain the medication room/cart according to good clinical practice and regulations.

• Monitor Patients for adverse drug reactions and report any such reactions to the physician, pharmacist, and Charge Nurse. Know side effects, normal dosage, and contraindications of all medications given.

• Provide Patient education.

• Demonstrates knowledge of nursing and safety procedures, especially in the event of a medical emergency, as described in facility manuals.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Graduation from a properly accredited School of Nursing.
• Associate's degree in nursing required; Bachelor's degree in nursing preferred.

Experience

• Two (2) years of experience with mentally ill patients or equivalent in an inpatient psychiatric facility is required.
• For Charge Nurse, two (2) years of Charge Nurse experience is preferred.

Specialized Skills

• Ability to interact and communicate both verbally and in writing with seriously and persistently mentally ill patients, other staff members, physicians, and the public.
• Demonstrated team leadership skills.
• Knowledge of medication administration; especially psychotropic medications.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to physically perform containment, escort, and restraint procedures with assaultive Patients.
• Ability to physically assist in lifting and carrying assaultive Patients weighing 100 lbs plus.
• Ability to visually and audibly assess the Patient's behavior and needs.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time preparing and administering medications, if applicable.

License or Certification

• Current, valid and unrestricted California RN license.
• Ability to pass facility medication tests during the orientation period and prior to passing medications.
• Current CPR and ACLS certification or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment.