Staff Nurse - RN/LPN

Staff Nurse

The Staff Nurse is responsible for overseeing the persons served medication self-administration, medication refills, infection control, and lab coordination. This role ensures the safe and accurate person served self-administration of medications, the maintenance of clinical health records, and the coordination of medical care for all residents. The Staff Nurse bridges the gap between psychiatric care and physical health, ensuring that the facility remains in compliance with state regulations and standards for medication management and infection control.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Medication Management and Safety

• Oversee the entire medication self-administration process, ensuring zero-error tolerance and strict adherence to physician orders.
• Conduct regular audits of the Medication Administration Records (MAR) and Narcotic counts to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the consulting pharmacist and local pharmacies to manage deliveries, refills, and medication destruction.

2. Resident Health and Coordination of Care

• Perform initial health screenings and ongoing nursing assessments for residents, identifying any acute or chronic medical issues.
• Coordinate with the Medical Director (Psychiatrist) to implement changes in psychiatric medication and monitor metabolic or side-effect concerns.
• Facilitate communication with external Primary Care Physicians (PCPs), dentists, and specialists to ensure residents' physical health needs are addressed.

3. Regulatory Compliance and Quality Improvement

• Ensure the medical department is "survey-ready" for state licensing audits and national accreditation bodies (The Joint Commission).
• Develop and implement infection control policies, TB testing protocols for staff/residents, and emergency medical response procedures.
• Participate in Quality Improvement (QI) committee meetings, reporting on medication errors, health trends, and immunization compliance.

Qualifications

Education and Licensure

• Licensure: Must hold a valid, unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of practice.
• Education: Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.

Experience

• Clinical Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of nursing experience, preferably in a behavioral health or residential setting.
• Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of psychotropic medications and state medication administration regulations.

Knowledge and Skills

• Proficiency in using Electronic Medical Records (EHR) and Electronic Medication Administration Records (eMAR).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage medical logistics for a large resident population.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with a multidisciplinary treatment team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a 24/7 residential environment.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods during facility rounds.
• Ability to assist in the event of a medical emergency.

Advantage Behavioral Health Network