Psychiatric Nurse

The Nevada Department of Corrections is seeking to fill a Psychiatric Nurse 3 at the Northern Nevada Correctional Facility in Carson City. Incumbents assist in physical examinations and diagnostic testing; obtain samples for laboratory tests; and perform assigned laboratory tests. They 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.

Incumbents provide emergency medical treatments such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid required to stabilize a patient’s condition. Incumbents complete progress notes in medical charts; review charts for changes in orders and transcribe; prepare written reports, records and summaries; audit charts and statistics; and ensure regulatory standards are being met.

Under general supervision of a higher level nurse, Psychiatric Nurses provide professional nursing care to individuals with developmental delays, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities or social, emotional and/or behavioral disorders, in an institution or out-patient setting in accordance with the authorized scope of practice specified in the Nurse Practice Act.

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

• 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.
• Administer medications intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, topically and orally as prescribed by a physician or designee as allowed in the practice setting; ensure correct time, dosage and appropriate route of administration; count controlled medications to ensure security; monitor patient for medication side effects and/or allergic reaction; observe patient to determine if medication is effective for prescribed treatment and document; if necessary, notify appropriate personnel of action taken.
• Maintain safety, health and wellbeing of individuals in the therapeutic environment as allowed in the practice setting; may assist in physically restraining patients who are a threat to themselves or others and may be hostile and combative; follow facility procedures regarding techniques and duration of confinement; 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.
• May serve as a community liaison nurse, assisting patients in making the transition from…