Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (Temporary)

 Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking an experienced Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist to provide direct patient care including psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adult patients on assigned units under the supervision of the collaborating psychiatrist. Develops and leads patient psycho educational groups. Provides education and consultation to unit nursing staff regarding current evidence-based practices in psychiatric nursing, person-centered care, and recovery. WRCH is a Joint Commission accredited 320-bed recovery center and hospital that serves 260 adults and 60 adolescents through an innovative design and provides a state-of-the-art environment for patients and staff. DMH inpatient facilities promote recovery and resiliency and are integral to the continuum of care for all consumers across Massachusetts. They are vital to achieving the DMH mission and our commitment to Community First — promoting recovery for consumers and a life of independence and self-determination in communities of their choice.

Please Note: This position is temporary, 40 hours per week for approximately 6 months. The duration of this position will cease when this position is no longer required. The selected candidate will work from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The days off are Saturday and Sunday.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provide direct patient care including psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of adult patients on assigned units, under the supervision of the collaborating psychiatrist as needed.
• Develop and lead patient groups.  Provide education and consultation to unit nursing staff regarding current evidence-based practices in psychiatric nursing, person-centered care and recovery.
• Prescribes appropriate psychiatric/medical medications, Schedules II-VI, to patients according to the American Psychiatric Association Guidelines for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders and Guidelines for Advanced Practice Registered Nursing under the supervision of the collaborating psychiatrist. Provide on-going medication monitoring for efficacy and side effects from psychiatric medications performing AIMS testing as required by facility protocol.
• Assess and document patient capacity for making informed treatment decisions.  Prepare affidavits and medication treatment plans for substituted judgment hearings.  Provide testimony in hearings for commitment and substituted judgment.   Manage issues pertaining to the legal status of patients in the hospital. 
• Provide education and consultation to nursing staff regarding evidence-based practices that enhance patient-center care and the recovery process.
• Work in a collaborative manner with primary care clinicians to assess patients' medical needs, provide continuity of care as patients prepare for transition and discharge into the community, and develop appropriate discharge aftercare plans.
• Performs AIMS testing as required by facility protocol.
• Participate fully in all site-based performance improvement activities in accordance with job responsibilities.
• Perform or schedule laboratory and diagnostic procedures to determine health status as assigned by the physician.
• Obtain histories and perform physical examinations to determine normal and abnormal adult health status. Identify patient health problems and prescribe treatment based on diagnosis.
• Communicate findings in a comprehensive and organized fashion verbally and in writing.  Document patient care and response to treatmen