Mental Health Registered Nurse

Under direction of the Program Manager and the DON (Director of Nursing) and within federal, state, and local guidelines provides quality nursing care to individualsserved using effective assessment skills while always maintaining ethical standards of nursing and individual confidentiality. Delivers care to individuals utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation, and evaluation; and effectively interacts with individuals and other health care team members while maintaining standards of professional nursing. This position will work closely with both the justice and court systems to ensure comprehensive services and coordination of care for individuals served.

Promotes the physical and mental health of individuals by applying nursing processes. This is done as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and has the goal of assisting individuals to assume responsibility of their own health. The nurse coordinates and monitors medical services, including psychiatric and medication services, in accordance with the requirements of regulatory agencies and in response to the individual's needs. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent and graduation from an accredited Nursing School required. Must have and maintain a current RN license with the Board of Nurse Examiners in the State of Texas.
• Three (3) years previous nursing experience and three (3) years prior experience working with persons with major mental illness preferred.
• Experience working on a multi-interdisciplinary team preferred.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• Must have and maintain a current R.N. license in good standing with the State of Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
• Must be able to perform the techniques of Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behavior (PMAB).
• Must be able to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• The ability to be mobile within the community to provide direct nursing services if needed.
• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.

oIndividuals with an out-of-state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.

• Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures; of health care laws and regulations; of medical diagnosis and procedures; of accepted medical treatment programs; and of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge and background in mental health services. Knowledge of serious and persistent mental disorders, personality disorders and substance abuse/dependence syndromes encompassed in the DSM-IV.
• Knowledge of common psychoactive medications used to treat neurobiological diseases of the brain.
• Skills in the care and treatment of individuals.
• Skillsthe operation of computers and applicable computer software.
• Ability to provide individuals care, to prepare and maintain records, to explain public health laws, to recognize patterns of medically necessary treatment, to communicate effectively, and to train others. Moderate mathematics skills. Proficient reading, writing, interpersonal relations, and communicative skills.
• Ability to make decisions based on education preparation and or nursing/clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Agency philosophy, policies and procedures and standards of care, to provide individuals care, to prepare and maintain records, to explain public health laws, to recognize patterns of medically necessary treatment, to communicate effectively, to train others, to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos, to write effective case management notes, to effectively present information in one-on-one and in small group situations, to make decisions based on education preparation and or nursing/clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Agency philosophy, policies and procedures and standards of care. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write effective case management notes, and to effectively present information in one-on-one and in small group situations.
• Auditory and visual skills; ability to bend, stoop, sit, stand, reach, and lift items weighting 45 pounds or less; ability to talk and hear with aid greater than 2/3 of the time, ability to have clear vision at 20 inches or less; color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors); peripheral vision (ability to observe an area up/down or left/right) and ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust eye to bring into focus)
• Ability to display regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Completes skills training including but not limited to symptom management, medication management, and health/wellness. Reviews lab results and follows Abnormal Lab Procedure

2. Provides direct nursing services and/or telephonic services in the psychiatric clinic or alternate care setting.

• Performs and documents professional and comprehensive psychiatric and appropriate physical nursing assessments as outlined in the Nursing Practices Act
• Completes parallel documentation during assessment and when addressing client needs
• Verifies and documents medication consent prior to the administrations of LAI's
• Completes nursing assessment for CRU (Crisis Residential Unit) admission and IDD Crisis Respite assessment either face-to-face or via Tele-video during clinic hours and on-call
• Provides cross-coverage for nursing services for other programs when required.
• Provides services at an alternate center location for coverage.
• Provides medication education and training using the Denton County MHMR Center assigned program materials.
• Orders laboratory reports as ordered by the physician. Analyzes and secures physician's signatures as appropriate and per procedures.
• Perform vital signs and weight measurement as part of initial or follow-up procedures.
• Practices parallel documentation during assessment and when addressing client needs.

3. Will consult with psychiatrist or APRN as needed regarding symptoms and side effects for individuals.

• Documents all services provided to an individual or on behalf of an individual in a progress note to be entered in the individual's medical record. Each service delivered will be documented according to agency and stated guidelines to also include any clinically significant information and in the case of a crisis and/or emergency.
• Documentation for each service is to be completed as per center policy or sooner for appropriate timely communication of care. Supervises self-administration of medication.

4. Follows appropriate medication procedures:

• May telephone medication orders per physician orders.
• May monitor medication compliance and adherence to treatment.
• May administer medication as ordered by the physician.
• Assure that there is valid written consent prior to giving LAI ( Long-acting Injection).

5. Provides medication education and training to individuals served and consultation to treatment Team staff.

• Develops medication education and training curriculum and implements when/where appropriate.
• Provides medication and other training to team members and support staff
• Provides family education and training to family members, relatives, and friends who constitute individuals served social support system in the community.

6. Provides symptom management and education with the focus of resolving current medical/mental situation while assisting the individual to be an active participant in their treatment.

• Provides symptom management and education with the focus of resolving current medical/mental situation while assisting the individual to be an active participant in their treatment.

7. May conduct physical, developmental, and psychosocial assessments to determine eligibility for health services.

• Instructs, counsels, and assists individuals in meeting their health care needs. Monitors and reviews case management service plans.

8. Refers per protocol to the most effective and least restrictive approach to the behavioral health emergency which may include consulting with the on-call regarding medication initiation, continuance, or adjustment.

9. Participates through a collaborative effort in developing and implementing a comprehensive crisis plan that provides the most effective and least restrictive available treatment.

• This plan is based on the provisional psychiatric diagnosis and will incorporate all requirements listed in the protocol and or procedure related to crisis services including reassessment needs adjustment to individual's response, coordination, resolution of crisis and transference to appropriate package

10. Communicates effectively following procedures with Denton County MHMR daytime, weekend, or evening teams as appropriate to provide continuity of care.

• Communicates effectively following procedures with Denton County MHMR daytime, weekend, or evening teams as appropriate to provide continuity of care.

11. Provides care coordination activities for clients served

• Provides Case management services within the context of the nursing role and Care Coordination services as appropriate
• Refers consumers to appropriate community services.

12. Practices workplace safety procedures.

• Adheres to the use of Universal Precautions.
• Adheres to the Center Infection Control Plan.
• Informs appropriate staff of any safety hazard or issue promptly.
• Completes and monitors for compliance of all documentation in accordance with federal, state, and Center standards.
• Develops individual's service plans and monitors them for appropriateness to the individual's needs. and compliance to Texas Department of Health and Human Services (HHSC) and Texas Administrative Code (TAC).

13. Attends regularly scheduled meetings.

• Regularly scheduled staff meetings.
• Regularly scheduled staff training
• All scheduled Team Meetings, if required

14. Serves as a member of the MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Treatment Team) process.

• Attends and provides nursing expertise at treatment planning staff meetings.
• Presents nursing assessments and recommendations at treatment team meetings.
• Presents overview of individuals seeking Centers services at MDT staffing.
• Provides documentation in accordance with scheduled treatment staffing.
• Maintains a current level of knowledge about individuals served changing needs and living circumstances and response to services.

15. Provides emergency intervention when necessary, according to Department of Human Services (HHSC) and Center rules and procedures.

• Provides verbal and physical Prevention Management of Aggressive Behavior (PMAB) intervention correctly when necessary.
• Provides Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in an emergency until other medical aid arrives.
• Provides emergency and non-emergency first aid until professional medical aid arrives or as directed by licensed medical professional

16. Follows protocol and procedure for referring individuals in need of emergency services

• Serves as a member of the MH Nursing on-call rotation system
• Contacts supervisor or designated back-up for clarifications of procedures or clinical assistance as needed
• Provides nursing back-up by telephone and as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) after hours and on holidays when scheduled to do so

17. Coordinates, monitors, and/or participates in quality assurance programs and regular inventory of medications and supplies

18.Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

• Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensure seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.
• Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.
• Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.