Friday-Monday 10p-8:30a Positions in this series provide direct nursing care to individuals* in a variety of State facilities, programs, and settings. Incumbents conduct health assessments; prepare and implement nursing care plans; diagnose and treat individuals’ responses to actual, potential, or diagnosed health problems through nursing services, such as case-finding, health teaching and counseling, and the provision of care supportive to or restorative of life and well-being; execute medical regimens prescribed by licensed health care providers; and serve as members of interdisciplinary health care teams and health-related committees to plan and implement care for individuals. Positions are primarily classified in the Office of Mental Health, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, State University of New York campuses, Department of Health’s Helen Hayes Hospital and Veterans’ Homes, Office of Addiction Services and Supports, and Office of Children and Family Services. *Individual refers to the person who is being treated or cared for, and is used in place of patient, client, or other nomenclature specific to an agency.Distinguishing Characteristics Graduate Nurses and Registered Nurses 1 perform similar nursing tasks and activities; coordinate and provide nursing care to individuals; administer treatments and nursing procedures within established guidelines and as prescribed by licensed health care providers; and consult on nursing matters with treatment teams and other disciplines. Levels in the series are primarily distinguished by scope and independence of operation, which is based on incumbents’ credentials (i.e., possession of a limited permit as a graduate nurse or eligible to enter examination for licensure as a registered professional nurse; or possession of a license and current registration as a registered professional nurse in New York State). Graduate Nurse: entry level; possesses a limited permit as a graduate nurse or is eligible to enter examination for licensure as a registered professional nurse in New York State; under the close supervision of a higher-level registered nurse, provides direct nursing care to individuals in accordance with Article 139 of the Education Law. Registered Nurse 1: full performance level; possesses a license as a registered professional nurse in New York State; under the general direction of a higher-level registered nurse or licensed health care provider, independently provides direct nursing care to individuals in accordance with Article 139 of the Education Law; supervises nursing care activities; and provides clinical supervision and training to Graduate Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and direct care staff. Related Classes Registered Nurse Supervisors 1 are registered professional nurses who provide clinical and administrative supervision to lower-level registered professional nurses and direct care staff; and oversee and coordinate nursing services for individuals in State facilities and programs. Illustrative Duties Graduate Nurse Under the close supervision of a higher-level registered nurse, coordinates and provides nursing care to individuals in a variety of settings, such as a facility unit(s), clinic, infirmary, residential, or community-based program. • Conducts nursing assessments; and obtains, records, and updates individuals’ health information and vital signs, using standard instruments and procedures.• Prepares, implements, and modifies nursing care plans; prepares individuals for and/or assists with examinations and treatments; and administers medications and nursing procedures to individuals, as prescribed.• Observes, monitors, and records individuals’ symptoms, conditions, and care, including diet and physical activity; and identifies and reports individuals’ responses to medication or changes in health status.• Serves as the nursing representative on a treatment team; provides information on nursing needs; and consults and coordinates with treatment teams and other health care disciplines to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate individuals’ care.• Makes clinical rounds to assess individuals’ nursing care needs and observe and participate in the provision of nursing services.Provides health teaching, counseling, and education to individuals, families, and other groups; and develops health improvement programs.Implements infection control protocols and procedures and provides related consultation and instruction to staff.Maintains and updates charts, records, and other documentation, consistent with agency, State, and federal requirements; and may collect data and perform related activities to support medical research.Monitors inventories and ensures that standards for medications, solutions, supplies, and equipment are maintained to meet nursing care needs.Registered Nurse 1 Independently performs the duties described above and provides clinical supervision and instruction to Graduate Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and direct care staff in completing nursing care tasks. Delegates responsibility for appropriate nursing activities, skills, and/or procedures to nursing and direct care staff; and makes clinical rounds to assess individuals’ nursing care needs and observe and evaluate the provision of nursing services. Acts as liaison to outside agencies and providers to ensure continuity of care and the necessary follow-up for individuals; advocates for individuals’ needs; and may provide instruction to providers on individuals’ discharge plans. May perform the full range of supervisory duties over Graduate Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and direct care staff; provide information to Registered Nurse Supervisors; and prepare or contribute to the preparation of reports and performance evaluations for lower-level staff involved in nursing care activities.