Summary
This position functions as a Registered Nurse (RN) providing direct care to patients on the Mental Health Unit using the nursing process. This includes ongoing assessment of the total patient. The RN provides interventions to treat the presenting symptoms and evaluates the effect of nursing interventions and patient's responses. This position functions as a team member and resource to others. The RN delegates, oversees and provides direction to Mental Health Counselors. The RN is responsible for meeting the needs of all types of psychiatric patients, including those with medical complications.
Responsibilities
(25%)* Provides high quality, evidence based nursing care to patients using neurobiological and cognitive-behavioral frameworks and techniques.
(25%)* Using the nursing process, completes assessments, provides interventions and evaluates patient outcomes according to the appropriate pathway guidelines.
(20%)* Provides education to patients on illness, coping alternatives and relapse prevention.
(15%)* Delegates, oversees and provides direction to Mental Health Counselor team members.
(15%)* Takes initiative to provide appropriate activities for patients when needed (such as during evenings or weekends).
Other Duties And Responsibilities
Communicates information accurately and effectively (verbal and written) to treatment team, to patient, to family, to other appropriate agencies.
Demonstrates interest and pursues advancement of clinical skills (asks questions, seeks feedback, shares articles, attends continuing education opportunities, enrolls in classes).
Monitors and manages the milieu in order to maintain a safe environment.
Identifies and intervenes appropriately in any potential crisis.
Possesses crisis intervention skills.
Keeps updated on the use of nonphysical as well as physical management techniques and implements using sound judgment and according to established current policy.
Conducts groups - provides individual education as appropriate.
Maintains patient dignity and rights.
Collaborates effectively with other departments and agencies on behalf of the patient.
Documents according to policy.
Monitors and documents changes in patient status.
Participates in performance improvement projects.
Completes admission assessments in an accurate, complete, and timely manner.
Correctly completes basic nursing tasks such as obtaining vital signs, weight, I&O, specimen collection and assistance with personal care.
Correctly assesses and utilizes seclusion and restraints and documents according to policy.
Behaves in a courteous, professional manner at all times with patients, visitors, and co-workers.
Conveys a positive attitude and works with others to constructively solve identified problems.
Knowledgeable about mental health code and is a patient advocate.
Knowledge and ability to work with probate courts and attorneys to resolve patient legal issues.
Follows hospital policy and procedures.
Has working knowledge of computers, phones, and the equipment on the unit.
Responds to all disasters and codes promptly and correctly.
Administers medications as ordered.
Obtains and transcribes physician orders.
Completes nursing assessments, performs ongoing assessments and communicates patient status and changes to physician and other team members as appropriate.
Attends treatment team meetings.
Provides nursing treatments, such as dressing changes, to all patients.
Provides medication teaching.
Completes nursing duties in accurate, timely, and thorough manner.
Is a team leader when needed for decision-making regarding patient, family, or milieu issues.
Certifications and Licensures
RN: Registered Nurse
BLS: Basic Life Support Within 1 month of hire or transfer
CPI: Crisis Prevention Intervention
- Mandatory nonviolent crisis intervention and physical management training (CPI) within 90 days of hire or transfer date and annually thereafter.
INGERPRIN: Fingerprinting
RECIPIENT: Recipient Rights
- Mandatory Recipient Rights training within 30 days of hire and annually.
ICHAT: iChat(annually on Hire Date)
Required Education
Associates degree is required
Bachelor's degree in nursing preferred
Other Information
Experience, Training And Skills
Good interpersonal skills, ability to take initiative, to work as a team, and to work with a variety of patients' needs.
MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft® Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.
Knowledge of psychiatric-mental health nursing as normally acquired through one or more years of experience in mental health nursing preferred.
Physical/Mental Requirements And Typical Working Conditions
Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.
Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.
Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).
Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.
Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.
Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.
Physical Demand Level: Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently 34-66% of the workday 20 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls and constantly (67-100% or the workday) 10 lbs.
