PSYCHIATRIC NURSE 2

Psychiatric Nurse 2

The Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) is currently recruiting for a Psychiatric Nurse 2 in Carson City, Nevada. The Psychiatric Nurse-II (PN-II) serves a Community Nursing role for persons served by the Rural Regional Center (RRC) living in rural and frontier regions of Nevada who have an Intellectual Disability or other developmental disability such Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The PN-II's primary responsibilities are to conduct Nursing Assessments, monitor the medical status of persons served who have serious, chronic and/or acute medical conditions, consult with RRC and Direct Support Professional provider staff regarding person served medical needs, and assist in determining residential and institutional placements for persons served to ensure needed medical care an be provided. Other responsibilities include participating in RRC's Eligibility Review Committee meeting, providing health related education to persons served and RRC and Direct Support Professional provider staff, and participating in statewide nursing workgroups and committees. Experience working with persons with Intellectual Disability or other developmental disabilities and/or psychiatric disorders is preferred, but applicants without such experience will be considered. The mission of ADSD is to empower individuals and their support systems by providing resources for disabilities and aging - connecting Nevadans to services and improving their quality of life.

Essential Qualifications

Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse and two years of professional nursing experience, one of which included working in a facility or institution with individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities or intellectual disabilities; OR one year of experience as a Psychiatric Nurse I in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Job Duties

Identify patient health care needs utilizing physical and behavioral professional nursing assessment skills; make comprehensive clinical observations and evaluations of health needs including subtle abnormalities and changes in condition; record and report indicative signs and symptoms of physical and mental condition. Prepare nursing care plans by assessing patient's psychological and physical condition and conferring with other health care professionals; evaluate needs and develop nursing diagnoses, plans for treatment, services and health education based on the present and predicted needs of the patient; identify immediate and long-term care goals; review and revise care plans as needed. Participate in multi-disciplinary treatment teams by coordinating health services and treatment; collaborate with professional and paraprofessional staff to ensure optimum health care. Administer medications intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, topically and orally as prescribed by a physician or designee as allowed in the practice setting; ensure correct time, dosage and appropriate route of administration; count controlled medications to ensure security; monitor patient for medication side effects and/or allergic reaction; observe patient to determine if medication is effective for prescribed treatment and document; if necessary, notify appropriate personnel of action taken. Maintain safety, health and wellbeing of individuals in the therapeutic environment as allowed in the practice setting; may assist in physically restraining patients who are a threat to themselves or others and may be hostile and combative; follow facility procedures regarding techniques and duration of confinement; notify appropriate personnel of action taken and document as required. Triage and assess patient's physical and mental health status and recommend admission for inpatient or outpatient services according to established policies and criteria. May serve as a community liaison nurse, assisting patients in making the transition from institution to the community or assisting patients which are community based, by providing a broad range of nursing services. Assist in physical examinations and diagnostic testing; obtain samples for laboratory tests as ordered by a physician or designee; perform assigned laboratory tests. Develop/implement nursing discharge plans; work with other disciplines to coordinate services; ensure that appropriate referrals are made; educate patients and families on medications, drug interactions, and special care requirements. Take timely, effective and proper measures to provide and maintain hygienic environments. Provide emergency medical treatments such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid required to stabilize a patient's condition and prevent more serious complications pursuant to established policy. Document nurse progress notes in medical charts including patient's health status, changes in condition, and medications administered; review charts for changes in orders and transcribe; prepare written reports, records and summaries; perform quality improvement activities such as auditing charts and compiling statistics; ensure all applicable regulatory standards are met including documentation of the care delivery process. Perform quality assurance and/or utilization review audits and compliance activities; ensure effective and efficient patient care and adherence to community standards of nursing care and/or standards established by accrediting bodies. Carry out therapeutic procedures which provide for the emotional and physical comfort of patients. Provide education to patients and their families related to good health habits and answer questions regarding prescribed treatment; provide health related education and training to staff. Prepare and maintain medical treatment rooms, ensuring supplies are available and ready for use; order and stock medical and related supplies and equipment as needed. Assist patients with activities of daily living and encourage them to perform activities without help as appropriate; supervise and/or participate in therapeutic interventions; serve as a positive role model at all times. Coordinate and/or participate in clinics; obtain prior approval for billing purposes as needed; schedule appointments; provide or arrange for transportation; conduct screening tests; give immunization injections; create and maintain associated records. Supervise paraprofessional and technical staff which may include Licensed Practical Nurses, Mental Health or Developmental Support Technicians, and/or Forensic Specialists as assigned; delegate to other personnel direct care duties consistent with their licensure, certification and competency and as allowed in the practice setting. Perform related duties as assigned. Under general supervision, incumbents perform the full range of duties described in the series concept. Positions in this class may have infection control, quality assurance, utilization review, staff training, admissions, outpatient services and/or other specialized assignments as a primary or secondary duty. This is a professional psychiatric nurse, and incumbents function at the journey level.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of: current nursing practices, principles, methods and procedures used in psychiatric/mental health nursing; application of the psychiatric nursing process including assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention and evaluation; uses and effects of psychotropic medications used in nursing; psychiatric principles and therapeutic interventions utilized in nursing care of individuals with mental illness or intellectual disabilities through cooperation with a treatment team and physician; documentation process; operation and use of standard medical equipment; nutrition and personal hygiene as applied to patient care; human growth and development; routine laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures used in the practice setting; physical restraint techniques and procedures as allowed in the practice setting; client centered care. Ability to: respond to and resolve patient care issues; independently perform specialized assignments such as infection control, quality assurance, utilization review, staff training, admissions and/or outpatient services.