PRN Registered Nurse (Nursing Department)

The Registered Nurse renders highly professional and technical nursing care to assigned patients with mental health disorders or substance abuse use. Provides direct and indirect patient care using the nursing process (assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation). Directs and supervises other assigned team members and collaborates with multidisciplinary team members to provide age/developmentally appropriate care in accordance with unit standards of care.

Essential Duties:

• Provide direct care to patients, which includes facilitating social and emotional needs, supervising medication schedules and evaluating patient progress.
• Manages team comprised of LVN(s) and MHT(s) to ensure effective patient care delivery and achievement of desired patient outcomes.
• Collaborate with a variety of interdisciplinary professionals to determine and provide the best possible care for their patients.
• Ensure the correct administration of medication, including injections, and monitor the results of treatment
• Respond to distressed patients in a non-threatening manner and attempt to understand the source of their discomfort
• Provide social support for patients by creating and encouraging patients to take advantage of opportunities such as support groups, social activities and other therapeutic measures.
• Build relationships with patients to encourage trust, while listening to and interpreting their needs and concerns
• Help patients manage their emotions through de-escalation techniques
• Responsible for maintaining a safe environment on the unit.
• Conducts intake assessments through interviews with patients and relatives to gather case history.
• Plans and provides nursing care for patients.
• Makes nursing diagnosis of the medical and emotional status of patients and recommends treatment options.
• Consults with psychiatrists and other behavioral health staff in designing appropriate treatment plans for clients.
• Administers and notes reactions to psychotropic drugs and other medications.
• Arranges further medical attention when necessary.
• Assists the client in understanding the nature of emotional disturbances and accepting the need for treatment.
• Keep accurate written charts and records of patient activities and progress. Comply with laws, rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures.
• Use professional judgment to ascertain and to apply appropriate intervention techniques with patients in crisis.
• Assists in maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and patients.
• Test for vital signs of pain and ensures treatments of pain.
• Documents all patient information on medical charts and follows physician’s written orders.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Maintains accurate records and documentation of patient treatments, immunizations and laboratory results according to standard medical record keeping.
• Performs administrative assignments such as filing, answering phones, typing, and completing progress notes in the computer system.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the hospital. Duties may be modified or changed with or without notice.

Requirements

Education and/or Licensure – ADN/BSN or equivalent. Must possess current RN licensure in the State of Texas by the Nursing Board. Must possess or obtain a valid CPR certification and SAMA training within 30 days of hire.

Experience – None required. Prior psychiatric healthcare experience helpful.

Additional Requirements – None

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to concentrate on work amidst distractions such as noise, conversations and foot traffic; must be able to consistently meet deadlines; and finish all food preparation at specified serving time; must be flexible in work hours in order to meet patient and organization operating needs.
• Must maintain self-control in volatile or hostile customer services interactions.
• High school level reading and writing skills; acceptable oral and written communication skills along with legible handwriting.
• Customer service skills in face to face interactions with dealing courteously with patients, the public, and other staff within the organization.
• Use of appropriate social skills, including demonstration and respect for patients and staff; empathy toward patients; skills in teaching or assisting