Head Nurse-Psychiatry ER

Purpose of Position

Under general supervision, directs the development, implementation and evaluation of the nursing regimen for patients/clients within an assigned unit involved in diagnosing and treating health problems by means of nursing methods and techniques such as case‑finding, health teaching, health counselling and provision of care supportive to and restorative of life and well‑being. Schedules, assigns, guides, directs and instructs nursing personnel in nursing activities.

• Performs major duties and functions as described in the Staff Nurse position description.
• Identifies and discriminates between physical and psycho‑social signs and symptoms; selects and performs therapeutic measures essential for the nursing regimen.
• Develops, implements and continuously evaluates the nursing regimen for assigned patients/clients.
• Records and maintains nursing care plans and progress notes to ensure continuity of care.
• Interprets and reports responses of patients/clients to appropriate members of the health team.
• Participates with interdisciplinary health team members to plan a comprehensive patient care program.
• Determines and assigns components of the nursing regimen for allied nursing personnel.
• Provides teaching, guidance and direction to allied nursing personnel in patient care.
• Participates in defining, implementing, maintaining and interpreting nursing practice standards.
• Participates in departmental and interdisciplinary conferences concerning policies affecting nursing practice.
• Determines conditions, resources and policies essential to the delivery of nursing care services.
• Develops and maintains a system of evaluation of nursing care, practices and procedures.
• Interprets agency philosophy and objectives to patients, families and other groups.
• Maintains professional competence through continuing education.
• Performs other professional nursing activities as delegated by nursing service administration.
• Coordinates, guides and directs implementation and continuous evaluation of the nursing regimen within the unit.
• Coordinates preparation and maintenance of nursing care plans and progress notes.
• Reviews and analyzes trends in delivery of nursing care, initiating innovations or recommendations for change.
• Develops and maintains evaluation systems for nursing personnel within a unit.
• Conducts conferences to develop nursing care plans and promote staff development.
• Assists in planning, preparation, implementation and evaluation of training and educational activities for nursing practitioners and allied personnel.
• Coordinates unit participation in interdisciplinary health teams and conferences on system‑wide initiatives affecting nursing practice.

• A valid New York State license and current registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State.
• Valid and current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA). Obtained through facility orientation if not yet certified.
• One (1) year of experience as a registered nurse.

Preferred qualifications and experience may be considered for selection.