Behavioral Health Nurse

Behavioral Health Nurse

The Behavioral Health Nurse is a licensed professional who provides direct and indirect patient care services to patients in their home environment or alternative setting according to the organization's policies and procedures; assesses patients and develops a plan of care in collaboration with the physician; provides nursing interventions (including phlebotomy, wound care, infusion, ostomy, catheter care and other skilled interventions) as ordered by the physician; instructs, motivates, and assists patients and/or caregivers in learning and improving the ability to live independently at home; and supervises and directs the efforts of the Licensed Practical Nurse and Home Health Aides when involved in the patient plan of care. Assists with community education and marketing activities, when requested.

Responsibilities include:

• Making initial assessment visit utilizing observation/assessment skills and assisting in developing the patient's plan of care in coordination with the patient's physician/allowed practitioner and Clinical Manager
• Managing medical illness per POC; performing psycho-biological interventions
• Conducting comprehensive medication reviews and ensuring patients and their caregivers receive information regarding the patient's medication regimen
• Providing education to the patient and their family regarding medication administration, actions, side effects, etc.
• Providing written materials for patients and their families
• Evaluating, teaching, and reviewing medications and compliance; administering intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) medication
• Managing situational or other crises; performing assessments of potential self-harm or harm to others, and referring to the treating physicians as necessary
• Providing teaching and training activities that require skilled nursing personnel to teach a patient, the patient's family, or caregivers how to manage the treatment regimen; teaching self-care, mental and physical well-being, promoting independence and patient's rights
• Promoting and encouraging patient/caregiver to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment
• Providing supportive counseling psychotherapy and psycho-therapeutic interventions according to education and licensure
• Providing psychoeducation, such as teaching/training with disease process, symptom, and safety management, coping skills and problem solving
• Providing ongoing evaluation and management of the patient's care plan
• Providing counseling services or coordinating with a social worker to ensure counseling services are provided
• Ensuring appropriate documentation, in accordance with coverage guidelines, to show the evaluation, psychotherapy and teaching activities needed by patients suffering from a diagnosed psychiatric disorder require active treatment by a psychiatrically trained nurse
• Providing general nursing interventions (including phlebotomy, wound care, infusion, ostomy, catheter care, and other skilled interventions) as ordered by the physician
• Providing all aspects of case management to enhance patient outcomes including communicating with other disciplines to ensure collaboration and coordination of care
• Monitoring the patient's condition and reporting changes to the Clinical Manager, and the patient's physician/allowed practitioner when indicated
• Obtaining, properly documenting, and executing orders from the patient's physician/allowed practitioner
• Ensuring compliance with state/local/payer requirements and that documentation reflects the care provided and meets company, regulatory and payer standards; and completing documentation within the required timeframe
• Participating with after-hours coverage, including weekends and holidays, when necessary to meet the needs of patients, when requested
• Providing supervision of care provided by licensed practical nurses and home health aides when indicated
• Maintaining universal precautions and infection control standards to prevent the transmission of infections and communicable diseases
• Appropriately disinfecting/sanitizing/transporting equipment and supplies used for patient care; and using proper medical waste disposal techniques
• Reporting all incidents per agency policy and regulatory standards
• Providing professional guidance to referral sources and internal operational staff to ensure both patient and referral source satisfaction
• Assisting with staff development and providing one-on-one clinical training to all field RNs and LPNs during home visits
• Collaborating with the Clinical Manager, Branch Director, and/or Administrator to ensure ongoing staff competencies
• Meeting with and educating referral sources about the services of the agency by providing in-services, when requested
• Increasing market share by sustaining and growing key established accounts, and by identifying and developing new referral sources through prospecting, lead generation and sales calls within an assigned territory, when requested
• Attending and participating in staff meetings, patient care conferences, in-services and other meetings as requested
• Participating in the agency's QAPI program by communicating problem areas identified and recommendations to address problem areas; attendance at periodic QAPI meetings; and participation in performance improvement projects as requested
• Maintaining confidentiality of patient related information and honoring patient rights
• Other duties as assigned and within scope of practice

Qualifications include:

• Registered Nurse (RN) with a master's degree with a specialty in psychiatric or mental health nursing and licensed in the state where practicing and residing. The RN must have nursing experience (recommended within the last 3 years) in an acute treatment unit in a psychiatric hospital, psychiatric home care, psychiatric partial hospitalization program or other outpatient psychiatric services; or
• RN with a bachelor's degree in nursing and licensed in the state where practicing would qualify. The RN must have 1 year of recent nursing experience (recommended within the last 3 years) in an acute treatment unit in a psychiatric hospital, psychiatric home care, psychiatric partial hospitalization program or other outpatient psychiatric services; or
• RN with a Diploma or Associate degree in nursing and licensed in the state where practicing would qualify. The RN must have 2 years of recent nursing experience (recommended within the last 3 years) in an acute treatment unit in a psychiatric hospital, psychiatric home care, psychiatric partial hospitalization program or other outpatient psychiatric services
• Minimum of 2 years of home health experience preferred
• Current CPR certification
• Basic clinical skills
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• General knowledge of computers and the ability to learn industry specific software applications
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with a keen attention to details
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to develop critical thinking skills, research situations, solve complex problems and deal with a variety of issues
• Ability to learn and complete various educational goals during orientation

About our Line of Business:

Adoration Health, an affiliate of BrightSpring Health Services, provides quality and compassionate services in the comfort of home, providing support for patients, families, and caregivers in their time of need. Adoration was formed to fill the need for a loving, community-focused, caring organization. We empower patients to live with dignity, find a sense of fulfillment, and celebrate with their families a life well-lived. Our employees and caregivers are proud to be a part of the Adoration team and the mission of our company.

BrightSpring Health Services