Psychiatric Nurse

Position: PSYCHIATRIC NURSE 2
Location: Gardnerville

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.

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 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; OR one year of experience as a Psychiatric Nurse I 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.

Ensure correct time, dosage and appropriate route of medication administration; 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; 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.

May 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.

Assist in physical examinations and diagnostic testing; obtain samples for laboratory tests as ordered by a physician or designee; perform assigned laboratory tests.

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…