Job Description

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direct supervision of the Nurse Manager and/or Charge Nurse, Senior Care Unit Registered Nurses are tasked with assisting in the direct daily care of patients by assessing patient needs and playing a role in providing them with the appropriate treatment plan.

DESCRIPTION

• Is able to manage patients in group settings using the principles of milieu management. Plans and implements health teaching groups. Documents on patients progress in regard to group activities. Organizes patient activities during otherwise un-programmed time. Is the leader in maintaining the integrity of the daily patient schedule on assigned shift.
• Appropriate boundaries are maintained with patients and an understanding of the difference between therapeutic relationships and friendships is demonstrated. Assists other staff in understanding and maintaining these boundaries and reports to supervisor if boundaries are violated by others.
• Maintains documentation in accordance with departmental/facility standards and requirements of regulatory bodies. Writes legibly, uses approved abbreviation and correct spelling as documented in the clinical record. Demonstrates skill in the area of documentation and is able and willing to help others achieve same level of skill.
• Completes the nursing assessment of new patients in a timely manner according to policy. Insures that assessment documentation is complete and accurate. Begins the treatment plan on admission identifying immediate nursing needs of the patient.
• Examines physician orders for completeness, accuracy and clarity. Correctly transcribes orders.
• Understands the importance of maintaining the dignity of the psychiatric patient. Communicates with non-judgmental statements regarding patient behavior, as observed by supervisor and as documented in chart. Follows philosophy of unconditional positive regard toward patients and families. Understands family dynamics and is able to effectively respond to family needs.
• Observes, records, and reports activities of patients requiring special precautions. Insures the completion of appropriate observation logs and assigns MHT's as needed.
• Understands all policies and procedures regarding the use of seclusion or restraint and follows these consistently.
• Interventions and limits are direct, timely, non-threatening, and effective in de-escalating patient or altering behavior. Able to lead a crisis team within the milieu, giving direction to others in proper policy for resolution. Is able to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations including proper use of time outs, locked seclusion or restraints. Exhibits alert, willing, and composed attitude in response to emergency/crisis situation.
• Demonstrates an understanding of milieu management creating an environment of acceptance and assertive self-expression. Supports the enhancement of the patients' self esteem and responds in a nurturing and caring manner. Supervises staff on assigned shift for same.
• Is familiar with psychotropic medication and is able to administer medications according to hospital policy. Applies knowledge of side effects and therapeutic effects of medications. Uses available resources in assisting patients for illegal and addictive drug usage.
• Participates in Multi disciplinary Treatment Team through assisting in planning and evaluating nursing care in collaboration with team members and attending treatment planning meetings as assigned.
• Assists in identifying patient problems from assessment date. Assists in the development of measurable goals and nursing interventions for stated problems. Revises these as needed based on patient's condition.
• Uses the treatment plan as a basis for reporting on patients at shift change. Is able to recognize patient progress toward goals and advise on-coming shift of progress and suggested interventions. Provides interventions in accordance with the treatment plan. Level of intervention is appropriate to behavior displayed and condition of patient. Interventions are direct, timely, non-threatening, and effective in de-escalating patient or altering behavior.

Education/Qualifications:

• Graduate from an accredited school of nursing.
• Current license as a registered nurse in the State of Georgia.
• *Current CPR certification
• *Current ACLS certification
• *Current CPI certification

Note: *(new hires - within 90 days of being hired)

EOE STATEMENT

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.