Registered Nurse (Community Support Program)

About the Role

Under the direction of the program supervisor, this role involves providing comprehensive, person-centered, team-based, assertive community treatment to individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness through the Community Support Program.

Responsibilities

• Medication Management:
  • Setting up medications, taking and filling orders.
  • Medication reconciliation after hospitalization (medical or psychiatric).
  • Weekly medication packet reconciliation and setup.
  • Monitoring medication efficacy and side effects.
  • Interim medication checks, side effect monitoring, and efficacy monitoring.
  • Collateral contacts with primary medical doctors (PMD), including coordination of medical treatment and taking medication orders.
  • Review of laboratory reports, including Clozapine, and coordination of lab orders, injections, and lab draws.
  • Coordination with program psychiatrist when psychiatric issues present while MD is out of the office.
• Nursing Assessment:
  • Monitoring vitals and weights.
  • Patient education and management of mild medical issues.
  • Providing direction on when to seek ER/urgent care/PMD appointments.
  • DISCUS completion and tracking.
• Team Collaboration:
  • Work in collaboration with a treatment team, other HSD employees, families, and collateral agencies.
  • Active participation in treatment team meetings, individual and group supervision meetings, and treatment plan meetings.
  • Attend in-services, trainings, division/department meetings, committee meetings, and trainings as requested or approved by the supervisor.
  • Maintain prompt communication with family members, team members, Rock County Crisis Intervention, and collateral agencies.
• Documentation:
  • Development of clinically relevant individualized treatment plans based on DHS 63 (DHS 35).
  • Documentation of treatment progress notes, orders, consultations with doctors/treatment providers/hospitals.
  • Documentation required for medication maintenance, Patient Assistance Program coordination, insurance, prior authorizations, prescription refills, and informed consents for medications.
• Other Duties:
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
• Current, valid Wisconsin license to practice as a Registered Nurse.
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing experience preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a current, unrestricted driver's license and auto insurance.

Skills

• Knowledge of current principles and practices of nursing.
• Ability to implement best practices in nursing and mental health care.
• Knowledge of assessment and treatment of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness, including co-occurring disorders.
• Ability to embrace and nurture a person-centered, recovery-oriented framework and culture for service delivery.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and practices pertaining to DHS 63 (DHS 35).
• Knowledge of psychotropic medications, their effects, side effects, and abuse potential.
• Knowledge of community resources and effective utilization.
• Ability to plan and organize work effectively.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear, concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, community members, families, and collateral agencies.
• Knowledge of various cultures and diverse populations, and understanding of how cultural values impact individuals, families, and the community.
• Ability to make assessments and provide or refer for appropriate treatment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and sit.
• Ability to exert up to 20 lbs of force occasionally or up to 10 lbs of force frequently.
• Physical movement occurs a majority of the day.
• Inside and outside work with exposure to weather conditions.
• Potential for contact with unpredictable and aggressive persons.
• Willingness to transport consumers and work in challenging and unpredictable environments.
• Participation in disaster evacuations and fire drills when necessary.

Equipment Use

• Ability to use a computer and keyboard.
• Ability to use a telephone and voicemail system.

Working Conditions

• Ability to flex time when needed to coordinate consumer emergencies and care.
• Potential exposure to physically or verbally abusive persons.