The Registered Nurse is responsible for delivering quality general and psychiatric nursing care to patients with emotional or psychiatric disorders; serves actively and constructively as a member of the multi-disciplinary treatment team, supporting the organization and program philosophy of care; ensuring the safety and well-being of each patient. The Registered Nurse:
Assesses new patients within 24 hours of admission through a systematic process of interaction with the patient, their significant others or families, and the appropriate health care providers.
Collects and analyzes data regarding the patient's physical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, educational, and anticipated discharge planning needs and responds to needs assessment calls when necessary.
Develops a comprehensive outline of care and updates master treatment plans, special programs, and problem sheets.
Assists in developing goals and interventions; gathering relevant data and communicating it to the treatment team.
Establishes effective discharge plans, individualized and relevant to the needs of patients and significant others.
Maintains effective communication with all units and departments.
Maintains designated lines of authority and supervises direct patient care as required.
Participates in implementing and managing the therapeutic system and other applicable facets of behaviorally-oriented treatment programs.
Implements crisis prevention and intervention procedures as required.
Follows correct protocols for crisis management and demonstrates skills in defusing potentially combative or aggressive behaviors; distinguishes correctly between psychotic behavior and self-control problems, manipulation, or rebellious behaviors.
Demonstrates sound knowledge of psychotropic medications and other medications commonly used with psychiatric patients.
Ensures that orders of seclusions & restraints are promptly and correctly followed.
Ensures that rounds and interval checks are properly made and documented and that problems are reported in a timely manner.
Assists in the selection and orientation of qualified personnel to provide optimum patient care.
Participates in in-service programs and takes a leadership role in maintaining therapeutic milieu.
Provides guidelines/direction to staff regarding care required; provides structure to the units by ensuring program schedules are implemented.
Provides feedback for 90 day and annual performance evaluations for MHS staff.
Assures that all psychiatric mental health standards are being met.
