SCU/BHU RN (nights)

Charge R.N.

Is able to manage patients in group settings using the principles of milieu management. Plans and implements health teaching groups.

Documents on patients progress in regard to group activities. Organizes patient activities during otherwise un-programmed time. Is the leader in maintaining the integrity of the daily patient schedule on assigned shift.

Appropriate boundaries are maintained with patients and an understanding of the difference between therapeutic relationships and friendships is demonstrated. Assists other staff in understanding and maintaining these boundaries and reports to supervisor if boundaries are violated by others.

Maintains documentation in accordance with departmental/facility standards and requirements of regulatory bodies. Writes legibly, uses approved abbreviation and correct spelling as documented in the clinical record. Demonstrates skill in the area of documentation and is able and willing to help others achieve same level of skill.

Completes the nursing assessment of new patients in a timely manner according to policy. Insures that assessment documentation is complete and accurate. Begins the treatment plan on admission identifying immediate nursing needs of the patient.

Examines physician orders for completeness, accuracy and clarity. Correctly transcribes orders.

Understands the importance of maintaining the dignity of the psychiatric patient. Communicates with non-judgmental statements regarding patient behavior, as observed by supervisor and as documented in chart. Follows philosophy of unconditional positive regard toward patients and families. Understands family dynamics and is able to effectively respond to family needs.

Observes, records, and reports activities of patients requiring special precautions. Insures the completion of appropriate observation logs and assigns MHT's as needed.

Understands all policies and procedures regarding the use of seclusion or restraint and follows these consistently.

Interventions and limits are direct, timely, non-threatening, and effective in de-escalating patient or altering behavior. Able to lead a crisis team within the milieu, giving direction to others in proper policy for resolution. Is able to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations including proper use of time outs, locked seclusion or restraints. Exhibits alert, willing, and composed attitude in response to emergency/crisis situation

Demonstrates an understanding of milieu management creating an environment of acceptance and assertive self-expression. Supports the enhancement of the patients' self esteem and responds in a nurturing and caring manner. Supervises staff on assigned shift for same.

Is familiar with psychotropic medication and is able to administer medications according to hospital policy. Applies knowledge of side effects and therapeutic effects of medications. Uses available resources in assisting patients for illegal and addictive drug usage.

Participates in Multi disciplinary Treatment Team through assisting in planning and evaluating nursing care in collaboration with team members and attending treatment planning meetings as assigned.

Assists in identifying patient problems from assessment date. Assists in the development of measurable goals and nursing interventions for stated problems. Revises these as needed based on patient's condition.

Uses the treatment plan as a basis for reporting on patients at shift change. Is able to recognize patient progress toward goals and advise on-coming shift of progress and suggested interventions. Provides interventions in accordance with the treatment plan. Level of intervention is appropriate to behavior displayed and condition of patient. Interventions are direct, timely, non-threatening, and effective in de-escalating patient or altering behavior.

Monitors ADL's, including elimination, nutrition, bathing, shaving, oral hygiene and dressing. Instructs and encourages moderately functional patients in self-care and hygiene. Takes vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, and respiration), collects specimens, measures and records intake and output as indicated. Performs all nursing interventions required in accordance with scope of practice and following hospital policy and procedure.

Teaches patient and his/her family keeping age, education, and socioeconomic conditions in consideration. Considers both psychological and physical factors in assessing teaching needs. Assures that needs and responses to teaching effort are documented.

Contributes to discharge plan for each patient. Recognizes individual needs for discharge and makes arrangements as indicated in collaboration with the treatment team. Assures that patient leaves the facility with all of his possessions, understands the use of any prescribed medications, and is clear on his/her follow-up appointments and care. Insures that all patient ADL's are complete prior to discharge.

Assists in the management of other clinical personnel by providing leadership and direction in accordance with program and clinical department goals and objectives. Takes responsibility for having a written assignment sheet for each staff member and supervising the work of other staff.

Insures that a thorough shift to shift report occurs on a regular basis and that report includes all staff needing to know current and pertinent patient information.

Routinely acts as a resource person to staff of other departments. Acts as a preceptor to new employees.

Takes personal responsibility for increasing staff morale and positive attitude on unit.

Attends and contributes feedback in staff meetings. May initiate and lead staff meetings when a need is recognized.

Reports incidents in a timely manner and according to hospital policy and procedure. Reports infections, adverse drug reactions and any other element of quality deemed reportable by hospital policy or quality management activities.

Orients or assigns the orientation of new patients to the treatment program activities and unit milieu expectations. Assists in, and as necessary accompanies patient in admission, transfer, and discharge procedures.

Assists in Quality Management activities when requested through data collection and analysis, attending meetings as assigned and sharing Quality Management information with other staff.

Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment by reporting equipment that is out of order, reporting other problems to management, cleaning equipment as assigned and receiving linen and supply stock for unit. Monitors patients for contraband materials.

Has a basic understanding of appropriate staffing levels and is able to maintain appropriate levels of staff in the absence of the Nurse Manager.

Demonstrates harmonious relationships with physicians, allied health professionals and co-workers through an attitude of cooperation.

Able to problem solve when conflicts arise.

Clearly understands the chain of command and able to articulate this to other staff.

Performs additional job-related duties as required and necessary within scope of job responsibilities including taking the initiative to complete tasks that are unassigned.

Maintain confidentiality at all time in accordance with Protected Health Information (PHI)

Education/ Qualifications:

Graduate from an accredited school of nursing.

Current license as a registered nurse in the State of Georgia.

Current CPR certification

Current ACLS certification

Current CPI certification

Required to have:

• 30 hours by a Board approved provider or

• Verification of competency -@ least 500 hours practiced as evidence by employer certification

in order to renew and maintain current RN license

Note: *(new hires - within 90 days of being hired)

Position Description:

A Charge R.N. plans, provides, and evaluates direct and indirect nursing care to assigned patients utilizing the nursing process. Responsible for the hands-on delivery of patient care. Provides, directs and guides patient teaching, discharge planning, and care planning. Insures that high standards of professional nursing are maintained. Supervises the LPN's, and MHT's on shift assigned. Further contributes to nursing and the hospital through support of philosophy and objectives, educational efforts and Quality Management efforts.

Experience:

Physical Demands:

WORKER POSITION(S)

Standing: 10% Remaining on one's feet in an upright position at a workstation without moving about.

Walking: 50% Moving about on foot.

Sitting: 40% Remaining in the normal seated position.

Total: 100%

MOVEMENT OF OBJECTS:

Lifting: Raising or lowering an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling).

Degree: MEDIUM-Lifting 50 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs.

Carrying: Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms or on the shoulder.

Degree: LIGHT-Lifting 20 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 lbs. even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job is in this category when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree, or when it involves sitting most of the time with a degree of pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Pushing: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from the force (includes slapping