Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse

Responsible for the delivery of professional nursing care and milieu management within an assigned mental health program. Responsibilities include administering medications, supervising Crisis Technicians, Unit Assistants, and Milieu Specialists, and ensuring the delivery of safe, therapeutic, and high-quality consumer care. Works collaboratively with members of the multidisciplinary treatment team to enhance communication, coordinate services, and promote positive consumer outcomes.

The following statements describe the primary responsibilities of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties performed.

Assessment and Treatment Planning

• Assess potential admissions for medical stability, either in person or by phone, and complete the Medical Stability Form.
• Complete nursing assessments in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements and continuously reassess consumer needs throughout treatment.
• Develop and update Individualized Treatment Plans based on assessment findings.
• Participate as an active member of the multidisciplinary treatment team, including regular meetings with physicians, social workers, and therapists to review consumer progress.

Nursing Care and Medication Management

• Accept and accurately transcribe verbal and written physician orders and incorporate them into the Treatment Plan.
• Administer medications and perform nursing treatments in accordance with physician orders and nursing standards of practice.
• Assess and monitor consumers' medical status throughout their stay, including:
• Identifying changes in condition and notifying physicians as appropriate.
• Ensuring completion of ordered laboratory work.
• Reviewing laboratory results and communicating findings to the appropriate physician for follow-up.
• Interpret nursing and treatment needs for direct care staff and other non-licensed team members.

Consumer Safety and Milieu Management

• Complete and document hourly rounds in ObservSmart to ensure consumer safety.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic treatment environment by:
• Assessing the need for emergency medications, administering them as appropriate, and completing all required documentation.
• Assessing the need for restrictive interventions, including brief isolation, seclusion, and restraints.
• Directing staff in the appropriate implementation of restrictive procedures and monitoring requirements.
• Ensuring established schedules, routines, and programming are followed.
• Promoting and enforcing the use of Universal Precautions in all consumer interactions.
• Assigning and monitoring completion of required fifteen-minute safety checks.
• Delegating appropriate technical healthcare duties and responding to irregular findings.
• Conducting or assigning room and body searches in accordance with agency policy.
• Serving as the primary contact for physicians, on-site supervisors, and the Administrator On-Call.
• Directing emergency procedures necessary to protect the safety of consumers, staff, and visitors.

Crisis Intervention and Consumer Support

• Utilize verbal de-escalation techniques, diversionary strategies, and crisis prevention interventions as the first response to consumer crises.
• Incorporate consumer preferences identified in de-escalation plans into intervention strategies.
• Reinforce positive consumer behaviors through verbal praise and other therapeutic interventions.
• Provide education and support to consumers and families, as appropriate.
• Model effective communication and professional interactions with consumers, families, staff, and community professionals.

Leadership and Team Support

• Provide clinical guidance and consultation to direct care staff and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), particularly during evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Assist in maintaining effective communication among team members to promote quality consumer care.
• Perform other duties as required by the program or agency.

Documentation and Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete all required legal documentation accurately, including medication consent forms and paperwork related to restrictive procedures.
• Ensure completion of all required administrative documentation by the end of each shift, including:
• Seclusion and restraint logs
• Physician orders
• Progress notes
• Admission documentation
• Communication and incident reports

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, twist, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to travel between buildings and various work locations as needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to successfully complete all required NAPPI training and safely perform approved NAPPI techniques.

Working Conditions

Regular exposure to consumers experiencing behavioral health crises and other program-related emergencies. Work schedules may include evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours. The position may require work at multiple locations based on program needs.

Additional Information

Employment is contingent upon successfully meeting Florida Level II Background Screening requirements.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Competencies

• Maintain current competency in NAPPI, CPR/First Aid, HIV/AIDS, Infection Control, annual DCF training requirements, safety procedures, and applicable Baker Act and Marchman Act regulations.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the safe use of clinical and emergency equipment, including oxygen tanks, suction equipment (where applicable), glucometers, thermometers, blood pressure monitoring equipment, and stethoscopes.
• Demonstrate competency in required clinical procedures through ongoing performance evaluations and skills assessments.
• Demonstrate proficiency in specimen collection, glucometer use, and interpretation of results.
• Follow agency policies and procedures for the handling and disposal of hazardous and biohazardous materials.
• Properly utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with agency policy and infection control standards.
• Demonstrate the ability to safely apply and remove restraints in accordance with training and agency procedures.
• Proficient in the use of telephones, walkie-talkies, computers, and iPads.
• Eligibility to successfully complete a Florida Level II Background Screening through the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Education and Experience

Current Florida Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing.

One (1) year of experience in an inpatient mental health or behavioral health setting.

One (1) year of medical-surgical nursing experience.