Registered Nurse

Mental Health Professional

Pay: $36.00 per hour Shift Differential: $3.00 6p-6a

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assess physical, psychological, and social dimensions of patients within the health care unit and, as necessary, in the housing units. Applies knowledge of available resources in obtaining a health history and in assessment process. Provides a written assessment of the patient on admission, during confinement, and on discharge as requested. Summarizes assessment data and makes a triage decision which is documented and communicated to other patient care providers. Plans an individual treatment program. Utilizes available treatment protocols as written by the psychiatrist. Utilizes referral process to appropriate providers as necessary. Applies knowledge and utilizes available resources in planning care and patient teaching. Consults as necessary with nurses, physicians, correctional officers, etc. Implements individual treatment programs in the health care unit and, as necessary, in the housing units. Implements clinical and technical aspects of care in accordance with established policies and procedures. Intervenes with proper technique, procedures and safety precautions to meet the individual needs of patients. Implements mental health plans through the administering of medications in accordance with physician's orders. Intervenes by administering medications according to proper techniques and procedures, including IV therapy and all other approved routes of administration. Utilizes pharmacology knowledge and available resources to include drug reaction and overdose in administering medications. Implements mental health plans through obtaining diagnostic tests in accordance with physician's orders. Intervenes by obtaining the body fluids specimens using proper techniques and procedures. Implements treatment plans as ordered by the physician or appropriate therapist. Intervenes with proper techniques / procedures and available resources. Implements nutrition and therapeutic diet plans as ordered by physicians. Intervenes by using established therapeutic diet plan referral processes. Utilizes knowledge and available resources for nutrition and therapeutic diets as established by facility. Documents nursing encounters, utilizing the SOAP form of charting as required. Communicates information to other nursing staff, physicians, medical unit supervisory personnel, correctional officers and department heads. Respects the dignity and confidentiality of patients.

Professional Expectations and Leadership:

Assess personal learning development needs. Plans/implements a program to meet identified needs through in-service attendance and other formal and informal means. Demonstrates knowledge and performs nursing policies and procedures. Supports philosophy, objective and goals of the nursing department. Accepts staffing assignments and performs other related duties as required or assigned by the Director of Nursing. Performs within the normal limits of state practice act, Code of Ethics for Nurses policies/procedures, facility policies/procedures, and standards. Promotes quality assurance standards by participating in the quality of care chart audits. Develops and maintains professional relationships with patient, medical and correctional personnel; and promotes good working relationships among staff and between other disciplines and departments. Provides leadership to nursing staff. Supervises and strives for excellence in patient care by challenging and, as necessary, correcting errors of peers to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. Identifies existing and potential problems and takes effective action. Develops and maintains an awareness of needed improvements in patient care, procedures, equipment and supplies, and makes recommendations to supervisors. As requested, assists in presentation of in-service education. Assumes individual accountability for own conduct and maintenance of professional appearance. Participates in nursing activities in corrections, which promote the growth and development of nursing and/or patient care. Approaches change in a positive manner; motivates staff to work as a team; accepts constructive criticism and learns from it.

Education and Experience:

Graduate from an accredited school of nursing. Currently licensed as a registered professional nurse in the state in which they are practicing. Current CPR certification required. Good physical and mental health; able to work under pressure; able to relate well to patients, security staff, visitors and co-workers. Prefer a minimum of two (2) years clinical experience.

Physical Requirements:

Continuous sitting per shift. Continuous periods of walking and standing per shift. Occasional climbing stairs per shift. Remaining awake and alert while on duty per shift. Lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs periodically and lifting up to 50-100 lbs rarely. Frequently working on computers/tablets throughout the shift. Frequent grasping, reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, and twisting.

Location: 299 Edwina Drive, Natchitoches, La 71457