Registered Nurse

Overview

SH – 824 Registered Nurse (RN), Douglas Co, NE

The Registered Nurse (RN) works under the direction of the Director of Nursing or designee, providing professional nursing care to acutely and chronically ill patients. The RN is responsible for assessing patient health problems and needs, developing and implementing nursing care plans, maintaining medical records, and educating patients about their conditions.

• Implement the nursing process and protocols, including carrying out physicians' orders and prescribed medical treatments.
• Prioritize data collection based on patient’s immediate condition or needs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, supervisors, County employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies, and the public.
• Comply with Civil Service policies and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, County policies, and laws to create a cooperative, safe, respectful, and quality work environment.
• Perform duties in accordance with DCHC policies and state and federal statutes and regulations.
• Observe and assess patients daily to identify, interpret, and document physical and emotional status and/or patterns, such as assaultive or suicidal behavior, and response to treatment or medication.
• Develop and implement individualized patient treatment plans based on observations. Communicate insights and observations to team members, including physicians.
• Delegate, direct, or assign nursing interventions that may be performed by others.
• Assist with planning, orienting, training, evaluating, and supervising the work of subordinates and other team members.
• Manage medication therapy and treatment regimens; administer oral medications and injections; monitor patient response to medication, assess side effects, and document assessments; educate patients on the purpose, dosage, and side effects of medication.
• Assist patients in complying with their treatment regimen.
• Provide holistic care based on the whole person, including health, nutrition, clothing, and spiritual needs, recognizing each patient's individuality and need for specialized treatment.
• Maintain accurate patient records of observations, assessments, and treatments.
• Provide care in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner that is sensitive to the patient's and family's diversity, preserving their autonomy, dignity, and rights.
• Accompany physicians on rounds and assist physicians with examinations and ordered treatments.
• Educate patients, staff, and family members regarding overall treatment, nursing plans, and related patient care issues to promote awareness and understanding of health/mental health issues.
• Ensure cleanliness of equipment and environment.
• Assist in the daily operations and functions of the secure treatment facility. Serve as a team coordinator for an assigned shift.
• Manage patients at risk for escalation.
• Maintain the therapeutic environment using acceptable nursing standards, and provide clinical supervision to licensed practical nurses and psychiatric nursing technicians.
• Participate in or lead individual or group counseling sessions, family conferences, and recreational and social therapy sessions to assist patients in understanding the nature of emotional and physical problems and the need for treatment.
• Admit patients, obtaining medical and psychiatric history.
• Obtain and record vital signs, schedule tests, and perform basic procedures (e.g., catheterization, respiratory therapy, blood draws, etc.) as directed.
• Provide information and education to patients and their families to decrease fear and barriers in the acceptance of psychiatric care and continuation of treatment.
• Conduct and communicate shift-change reports ensuring continuity of patient care.
• Recognize and intervene when a patient is experiencing an acute episode. Provide crisis intervention ensuring patient and staff safety and security while complying with DCHC procedures and protocols.
• Coordinate and direct on-site interventions as necessary.
• Assist patients in obtaining proper follow-up care during acute hospitalization and at the time of discharge by identifying community agencies and…