PSYCHIATRIC NURSE 2

About the role

The Division of Public and Behavioral Health: Rural Clinics has an opening for a full time Psychiatric Nurse 2 in Gardnerville, NV. This position provides direct psychiatric nursing services for consumers, including assessments and therapeutic interventions, organizes and oversees medication services including tele-medication services for prescribers, and client/family education on medications, health related issues. The incumbent will monitor effectiveness of treatment and side effects, provide consultation and education to consumers, the community, and other service providers.

Responsibilities

• Identify patient health care needs utilizing physical and behavioral professional nursing assessment skills; make comprehensive clinical observations and evaluations of health needs including subtle abnormalities and changes in condition; record and report indicative signs and symptoms of physical and mental condition.
• Prepare nursing care plans by assessing patient’s psychological and physical condition and conferring with other health care professionals; evaluate needs and develop nursing diagnoses, plans for treatment, services and health education based on the present and predicted needs of the patient; identify immediate and long-term care goals; review and revise care plans as needed.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary treatment teams by coordinating health services and treatment; collaborate with professional and paraprofessional staff to ensure optimum health care.
• Maintain safety, health and wellbeing of individuals in the therapeutic environment as allowed in the practice setting; follow facility procedures regarding techniques; notify appropriate personnel of action taken and document as required.
• Triage and assess patient’s physical and mental health status and recommend admission for inpatient or outpatient services according to established policies and criteria.
• Serve as a community liaison nurse, assisting patients in making the transition from institution to the community or assisting patients which are community based, by providing a broad range of nursing services.
• Aid in physical examinations and diagnostic ss as ordered by a physician or designee; obtain samples for laboratory ss as ordered by a physician or designee; perform assigned laboratory ss.
• Develop/implement nursing discharge plans; work with other disciplines to coordinate services; ensure that appropriate referrals are made; educate patients and families on medications, drug interactions, and special care requirements.
• Take timely, effective and proper measures to provide and maintain hygienic environments.
• Provide emergency medical treatments such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid required to stabilize a patient’s condition and prevent more serious complications pursuant to established policy.
• Document nurse progress notes in medical charts including patient’s health status, changes in condition, and medications administered; review charts for changes in orders and transcribe; prepare written reports, records and summaries; perform quality improvement activities such as auditing charts and compiling statistics; ensure all applicable regulatory standards are met including documentation of the care delivery process.
• Perform quality assurance and/or utilization review audits and compliance activities; ensure effective and efficient patient care and adherence to community standards of nursing care and/or standards established by accrediting bodies.
• Carry out therapeutic procedures which provide for the emotional and physical comfort of patients.
• Provide education to patients and their families related to good health habits and answer questions regarding prescribed treatment; provide health related education and training to staff.
• Prepare and maintain medical treatment rooms, ensuring supplies are available and ready for use; order and stock medical and related supplies and equipment as needed.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living and encourage them to perform activities without help as appropriate; supervise and/or participate in therapeutic interventions; serve as a positive role model at all times.
• Cook up to 50% of the time.

  Requirements

  • Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse and two years of professional nursing experience, one of which included working in a facility or institution with individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities or intellectual disabilities.
  • One year of experience as a Psychiatric Nurse I in Nevada State service.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

  Qualifications

  This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.

  • Working knowledge of: current nursing practices, principles, methods and procedures used in psychiatric/mental health nursing; application of the psychiatric nursing process including assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention and evaluation; uses and effects of psychotropic medications used in nursing; psychiatric principles and therapeutic interventions utilized in nursing care of individuals with mental illness or intellectual disabilities through cooperation with a treatment team and physician; documentation process; operation and use of standard medical equipment; nutrition and personal hygiene as applied to patient care; human growth and development; routine laboratory ss and diagnostic procedures used in the practice setting; physical restraint techniques and procedures as allowed in the practice setting; client centered care.

  Skills

  • Respond to and resolve patient care issues.
  • Independently perform specialized assignments such as infection control, quality assurance, utilization review, staff training, admissions and/or outpatient services.

  Benefits

  • Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees’ Benefits Program (PEBP).
  • Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
  • Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
  • Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
  • Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
  • Earned Longevity Pay: Employees who have received a performance rating of “standard” or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.

  Pay

  Commensurate with experience.

  Schedule

  N/A