RN - Psych

Registered Nurse

This position functions under the supervision of the Unit Director and the leadership of the designated Charge Nurse. The Registered Nurse is responsible for providing individualized quality patient care. This is achieved by assessing patient needs through data collection and by designing, implementing, and continuously evaluating the plan of care. The Registered Nurse works in collaboration with all members of the treatment team. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. May be assigned to any inpatient unit to meet patient care needs. Completes Nursing Admission Assessment on admission. Identifies strengths, weaknesses, and problems, and develops an individualized treatment plan considering the patient's age, disability, ethnicity, culture, and religion. Administers medication and treatment accurately and according to policies and procedures. Assesses the effects of medication on patients. Attends multidisciplinary treatment planning conferences for assigned patients. Works collaboratively with treatment team members to achieve identified goals. Assures patient care is provided in accordance with the master treatment plan. Understands and implements hospital-wide regulations, policies, procedures, and standards. Operates within the professional scope of practice. Effectively collaborates with the treatment team and positively supports patients' plans for continuing care. Assesses learning needs and barriers to learning for patients and families, documenting appropriately. Provides age-appropriate learning opportunities and educational materials tailored to the patient/family. Provides input to the Unit Director regarding unit-based performance improvement measures. Participates in unit performance improvement activities through accurate data collection. Maintains a safe and orderly work and patient care environment. Reports all environmental and safety hazards per policies and procedures. Handles and disposes of infectious and hazardous materials according to policies and procedures. Reviews assigned patient charts for new orders at the beginning of each shift. Accurately transcribes, reviews, and co-signs medication orders within procedural time limits. Documents adverse reactions and unusual incidents using appropriate reports as required. Uses approved hospital abbreviations for charting consistently. Documents patient information within the medical record accurately and within procedural time limits. Participates in the orientation of new or transferring personnel and students as assigned. Identifies one patient problem, patient strength, and intervention within 24 hours of admission. Attends Treatment Planning Conferences as scheduled, making additions/revisions to plans as discussed. Reviews the master treatment plan weekly and makes revisions based on the patient's condition. Plans and conducts nursing psycho-educational groups as per unit schedule. Meets all requirements for annual IV re-certification if applicable. Models the organization's standards of behavior. Demonstrates computer literacy and competency for all required systems. Demonstrates positive communication techniques in working with other members of the treatment team. Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care for adolescent, adult, and older adult patients. Demonstrates knowledge of key principles of growth and development across the lifespan. Must demonstrate cultural competence relative to the patient's status. Understands and implements nursing admission assessment protocols. Completes assessments for abuse, neglect, and domestic violence, and pain assessments. Maintains confidentiality and secures patient records. Knows how to respond to different emergency codes. Understands and utilizes crisis management techniques. Maintains therapeutic milieu and sets effective therapeutic limits. Understands suicide prevention and assessment protocols. Complies with safe patient handling techniques. Understands and implements unit-specific protocols and procedures.