RN- Health Care (Full-Time

Registered Nurse
Athens-Clarke - Pavilion - Athens, GA 30606
Overview
Position Type Full Time Category Nurse
Description
Under general supervision provides direct, technical nursing care functions in accordance with individual nursing care plans and as directed by attending physician to clients with behavioral health and/or substance use disorders in an outpatient behavioral health clinic. Care includes conducting initial and ongoing nursing assessments, conducting behavioral health assessments, administering long-acting injectable medications, performing lab draws, assisting with client bridge requests, etc.
Job Responsibilities and Performance Standards:

Provides education to the client about medications and treatment. Identifies client's health education/information needs; instructs clients accordingly. Solicits feedback from clients to verify their understanding. Advises clients on health maintenance and refers clients to other health care services as appropriate.
Administers medication in the proper methods, time, and dosage as ordered and indicated by prescriber. Observes and records client responses to medication for side effects or adverse effects; immediately reports any significant reactions to attending prescriber.
Maintains adequate supply of necessary medications, samples, and lab supplies needed. Conducts and records audits of medications for expiration dates and other data according to established guidelines. Coordinates with Business Manager for re-ordering of lab supplies needed.
Collaborates with pharmacy for prescriptions ordered by physicians, as needed.
Performs various health screenings according to established guidelines. Takes vital signs and performs other tests (such as glucose monitoring, pregnancy tests, UDS, etc.) as required by the prescriber following established guidelines. Collects specimens for diagnostic testing according to established procedures. Uses CLIA-waivered lab equipment for in-agency lab work and obtains lab results from lab work performed by commercial labs.
Provides initial and on-going assessments. Interviews client to obtain thorough medical history and/or determine extent of illness. Enters this into client chart for use by prescriber. These assessments include initial and yearly nursing assessments minimally but can also include follow ups in between prescriber appointments. RNs may complete on-going behavioral health assessments for clients.
Acts as a liaison between the patient and healthcare team by communicating updates, managing phone calls, and handling prescription prior authorizations as needed.
May provide outpatient behavioral health psychoeducation to groups of clients.
Responds to clients in acute distress according to established guidelines.
Travels to and provides coverage at other clinic locations as needed to support patient care and operational needs.
Additional duties as assigned.
Sample Technical Competencies:

• Ability to identify medication.
• Ability to assist and to convey patient's information to physician/advanced practice provider.
• Skill in routine medical procedures, i.e.: applying bandages and/or tourniquets, giving injections, measuring temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, etc.
• Ability to maintain accurate medical records of treatments, medications, symptoms and patient conditions.