RN / Registered Nurse / Psychiatric RN / Mental Health RN

Registered Nurse

Qualifications: Current status as a registered nurse in the State of Michigan. Bachelors degree in nursing (preferred). One year of experience in nursing, psychiatric nursing (preferred).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administers medication as ordered by physicians, tracks electronically.
• Utilizes the nursing process in planning, providing and evaluating each patients care, and produces a written nursing assessment and up-to-date individualized care plan.
• Develops measurable goals on the Individualized Treatment Plan that are mutually set with the treatment team and patient.
• Modifies the nursing component of the Master Treatment Plan as required by changing patient needs, as determined by evaluation of care administered and established standards of care; keeps treatment plan updated; reviews the plan with patients.
• Documents nursing interventions and patient response on progress notes; uses electronic charting.
• Provides a safe, therapeutic environment that protects patient rights and develops a therapeutic relationship with assigned patients; assists patients in developing coping mechanisms to deal with feelings.
• Encourages independent behavior in patients in a therapeutic, age-appropriate manner.
• Establishes contact with the patients physician and interdisciplinary team in order to assist in planning the patients care in a professional manner.
• Assesses patients physical needs and follows up with necessary treatment.
• Intervenes to decrease panic in disturbed patient; is able to use appropriate interventions on a daily basis; demonstrates an understanding and follows up with level system.
• Admits, discharges and transfers patients based on physician orders, and follows up and completes necessary electronic documentation.
• Ensures that patients and families are oriented to the Center and the unit, and deals with family members in a professional, caring manner.
• Makes discharge plans for each patient; coordinates with other staff.
• Collaborates with members of other disciplines in a professional, helpful manner.
• Teaches coping skills to deal with behavior in an age-appropriate manner; teaches patients/families about medications, infection control and general health maintenance.
• Observes patient behavior for changes in order to intervene appropriately, guide non-professional nursing staff, communicate changes to appropriate staff, and record changes.
• Supervises non-professional nursing staff in provision of quality nursing care by example and as a role model.
• Reviews medical records, check physician orders, and records such orders in a timely manner.
• Acts as a Charge Nurse when so designated by the Nurse Manager.
• Participates in staff development programs and complies with Mandatory in-service requirements.
• Attends unit staff meetings and willingly participates in in-services.
• Participates in committee activities and program development as required.
• Assumes responsibility for maintaining adequate coverage of patients during break times.
• Performs other duties in a willing manner or as requested by the Nurse Manager.