RN-Casual, 12-hour shifts, every 3rd wkd

Wood County Norwood Health Center has a great passion for helping the members of our community. As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality services is a shared goal across all departments.

About the role

The purpose of this position is to evaluate and treat individuals in crisis and individuals with severe mental illness. Other duties include obtaining and implementing physician work orders and notifying appropriate parties of changes of condition. The work is performed under the supervision of the Head Nurse and Director of Nursing. This position supervises psychiatric technicians.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Works with physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers as part of the treatment team.
• Utilizes the nursing process for assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating both psychiatric and medical illnesses, including substance abuse.
• Evaluates patients for response to treatments and medications. Monitors patient vital signs, observes patient for changes in behavioral or medical conditions, and responds appropriately. Responds promptly and effectively in a therapeutic manner, obtains and implements physicians' orders, and completes all assigned work in a timely manner.
• Responds to resident/patient emergencies including psychiatric emergencies, critical illness, fire alarms, etc. Evaluates situations and takes appropriate action.
• Prepares and implements patient/resident care plans and maintains complete and accurate patient/resident charts for treatments, medications, etc.
• Administers oral medications, intramuscular and intravenous injections, range of motion exercises, catheterizations, enemas, and other treatments, and charts according to policies and procedures.
• Provides consultation and referral information to other counties and facilities, psychologists, psychiatrists, law enforcement, community treatment teams, crisis intervention teams, hospital medical staff, and prospective patients and families for potential admission of persons to Norwood Health Center. Screens prospective admissions. Ensures admissions comply with procedure and required forms are complete.
• Supervises work performance of subordinate nursing staff for proper technique, quality of care issues, and use of equipment, materials, and supplies. Reviews subordinates' chart recordings for accuracy. Prepares written evaluations. Conducts staff in-service and new staff orientations. Occasionally participates in the disciplinary process of subordinate staff.
• Converses with patients to assure they are comfortable. Explains recovery progress, therapies, treatments, medications, and changes in medication. Answers residents' requests for assistance.
• Communicates and interacts professionally, effectively, and tactfully with residents, visitors, families, peers, referral sources, community staff, crisis, and supervisors.
• Answers questions and complaints from family members. Notifies families regarding patient needs for personal items such as clothing, glasses, etc.
• Participates in facility committees regarding nursing care as assigned. Attends and participates in staff meetings and in-services. Attends and participates in continuing educational seminars, conferences, workshops, etc.
• Orders medications, supplies, and materials.

Other Job Duties

• Assists residents in eating, toileting, ambulating, repositioning, and other daily living tasks. Arranges transportation as needed. Tidies patient rooms.
• Assists in subduing and/or restraining agitated and/or violent patients, as needed.
• Distributes meals and snacks.
• Keeps work environment clean and organized and answers telephone.
• Staffs the unit, maintaining safety and fiscal responsibility.
• Acts as administrative charge for the entire facility in the absence of the Director of Nursing, Administrator, or Client Services Manager.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Nursing
• One to two years of nursing experience, preferably working with chronically mentally ill or developmentally disabled persons, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Flexible schedules
• Health Insurance with low premiums and low deductibles, and excellent coverage
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) – one of the best-funded public pension plans in the U.S.
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Vacation and Sick Time – start accruing for both on your first day
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Account to set aside pre-tax dollars for childcare and medical expenses
• Life Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Wellness Incentive Plan
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

Pay

Wage plus PM/NOC differential ($2.00/hr) and weekend differential ($3.00/hr).