Registered Nurse ***New Graduates Encouraged to Apply***

Registered Nurse I

Position allocable to RN I focus on applying recognized nursing principles/practices and developing nursing knowledge and skills while providing professional nursing care to patients in a variety of settings under close supervision, typically reporting to and frequently seeking consultation from higher level nurses. Incumbents to this position are responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care as part of an interdisciplinary team in consultation with senior level nursing staff. The scope of practice at this level demonstrates the application of basic assessment skills and adherence to patient privacy, confidentiality, and security guidelines.

Minimum qualifications required for this position:

• A valid Licensed Registered Nurse License from California Board of Registered Nursing
• Typically recent grads developing experience
• A minimum of 0 -2 years experience working with emotionally or mentally disturbed patients, preferable recent experience in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting;
• Experience and ability to work with multi-cultured, multiethnic populations
• Demonstrated use of crisis intervention skills, teamwork, and communication skills in the management of care for high level acuity psychiatric patients in a fast-paced environment
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers
• Current CPR Certification

General statement of functions:

1. Follows established policies and procedures within their scope of practice.
2. Seeks assistance consistently and feedback regarding patient and clinical practice issues.
3. Accepts personal accountability and demonstrates initiative in continuing to develop nursing knowledge and skills.
4. Communicates and collaborates effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary health care team as needed.
5. Participates in patient care conferences, committee meetings, staff development, and education programs to increase or maintain personal competencies.
6. Respects patient rights; adheres to and protects patient privacy, confidentiality, and security guidelines.
7. Completes and maintains accurate and legible documentation and records in a clear, concise, and timely manner.
8. Demonstrates ability to practice patient compassion, cultural humility, crisis intervention skills, teamwork, professionalism, and strong communication skills (verbal and written), with patients, family, and other healthcare providers within the inpatient unit.
9. Assists with special assignments as directed by Nurse III or Nursing Management.
10. Adheres to Mandated Reporter requirements for child, elder, or dependent adult abuse.

Standards of practice:

• Assessment
• Diagnosis
• Outcomes Identification
• Planning
• Implementation
• Health Teaching & Health Promotion
• Milieu Therapy
• Pharmacological, Biological & Integrative Therapies
• Evaluation

Scope of practice:

Per the Nursing Practice Act California Business and Professions Code Section 2725,

A licensed registered nurse may do all of the following:

1. Direct and indirect patient care services that insure the safety, comfort, personal hygiene, and protection of patients; and the performance of disease prevention and restorative measures.
2. Direct and indirect patient care services, including, but not limited to, the administration of medications and therapeutic agents, necessary to implement a treatment, disease prevention, or rehabilitative regimen ordered by and within the scope of licensure of a physician, dentist, podiatrist, or clinical psychologist, as defined by section 1316.5 of the Health and Safety Code.
3. The performance of skin tests, immunization techniques, and withdrawal of human blood from veins and arteries.
4. Observation of signs and symptoms of illness, reactions to treatment, general behavior, or general physical condition and (A) determination of whether the signs, symptoms, reactions, behavior, or general appearance exhibit abnormal characteristics, and (B) implementation, based on observed abnormalities, of appropriate reporting, or referral, or standardized procedures, or changes in treatment regimen in accordance with standardized procedures, or the initiation of emergency procedures

Minimum requirements:

• Physical: Moderate which includes standing or walking most of the time, with bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, and reaching. Includes occasionally lifting objects weighing over 25 pounds, and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds.
• Examination: Examination will include:
• an oral interview consisting of an exchange of information in which candidates are rated on a pass or fall basis covering training;
• personal fitness; and
• general ability to perform the duties of this position.

Candidates must achieve a passing score of 75% or higher to be added to the eligible register.

• Shift: In order to ensure quality care and full staffing, shift changes may be necessary. Every effort will be made to provide reasonable notice.

Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking - Able to breakdown raw information and undefined problems into specific, workable components that in-turn clearly identifies the issues at hand. Makes logical conclusions, anticipates obstacles, and considers different approaches to the decision-making process.
• Attention to Detail Accomplishes tasks through concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small. Monitors and checks work or information and plans and organizes time and resources efficiently.
• Communication Effectiveness Clearly conveys information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.
• Compliance Ensures compliance and examines patient information to insure that they comply with company and industry regulations, and service policies and procedures.
• Flexibility Exhibits openness to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.
• Insurance Knowledge Understands and is able to communicate general mental health insurance policies (including Medicare and Medicaid) and information and direct those with questions where to seek answers and resolution.
• Multi-tasking Handles multiple projects or tasks simultaneously and creates linkages between all involved parties. Utilizes time management, setting priorities and managing ambiguity skills.
• Reconciling Information Filters and evaluates information; weighs conflicting information from several sources and reconciles the differences.
• Report Generation - Gathers and disseminates appropriate level of information, formulates it into a formal report that is complete, accurate and thorough for the intended audience.
• Technical Capability Applies and demonstrates technical capacity for job specific technical requirements including software technology, applications, judgment and procedures to achieve position requirements and organizational needs.
• Thoroughness - Demonstrates attention to detail and accuracy. Defines and organizes tasks, responsibilities, and priorities. Takes responsibility for timely completion.