Rn Psych Inpatent

Position Summary

Provide professional nursing care for assigned patients in a mental health/psychiatric environment. Design nursing care plans and assist in the development of overall care plans for psychiatric patients, ensure administration of appropriate overall care in a manner conducive to recovery. Ensure adherence to hospitals and departmental policies and procedures. Patient care assignment may include pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric age groups.

• Interview, examine, and assess the health status of psychiatric patients with various cognitive, emotional, developmental, social, and behavioral disorders.
• Observe patient behavior, activities, and mental status; perform triage and crisis intervention.
• Write treatment plans; coordinate patient drug and procedure activities; administer medication and treatment; provide and coordinate nursing care of assigned patients; may facilitate group therapy and/or education sessions.
• Chart and report observed symptoms, reactions, treatments, and changes in the patients' conditions; collect and document data and information; may perform computerized data entry.
• Perform nursing intakes, draw blood and other patient specimens; may perform or coordinate laboratory tests.
• Educate patients and families on treatment regimens, management of side effects, and compliance with the treatment plans; provide emotional support and act as advocate for patients and families.
• Provide information and facilitate communication between physicians, medical students, staff, patients, families, and community; coordinate and consult with a milieu of service providers.
• Follow established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives, continuous quality improvement objectives, and safety, environmental, and/or infection control standards.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, reading current literature, attending in-services, meetings and workshops.
• Perform various administrative functions such as monitoring expenditures and preparing reports and correspondence; may participate in a variety of research projects to develop service plans; may propose changes to program policies and procedures.
• Participate in orientation, and after completing preceptor training, assume precepting and evaluation responsibilities of new personnel.
• Assist with special tests and procedures, ensure proper consent has been obtained.
• Assist with or institute emergency measures for sudden, adverse developments in patients.
• Administer medication, including IV medication, via the Seven Rights; document and communicate clinical findings.
• Maintain a safe, comfortable, and therapeutic environment for patients/families in accordance with hospital standards.
• Follow patient safety-related policies, procedures and protocols.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to patient safety by seeking opportunities to improve patient safety through questioning of current policies and processes.
• Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and/or situations that may put a patient at undue risk.
• Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors and/or near misses in a timely manner.
• Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting treatment or situations that they don't understand or may "not seem right".

Education:

• Program Graduate

Nonessential:

• Bachelor's Degree

Education specialization:

• Nationally Accredited Nursing Graduate

Nonessential specialization:

• Nursing

Experience:

Nonessential:
Bilingual in English, Spanish, Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo with 1 year directly related experience.

Credentials:

• CPR for Healthcare/BLS Provider or Professional Rescuers within 30 days
• RN in NM or as allowed by reciprocal agreement with NM
• Obtain and maintain Aggressive Behavior Certification within 30 days of hire

Physical Conditions:

Heavy Work:
Exerting 50–100 pounds of force occasionally, 25–50 pounds frequently, or 10–20 pounds constantly to move objects or people. Physical demand exceeds medium work.

Working Conditions:

• Significant hazards:
  Physical risk/injuries due to combative patients
• Significant hazard:
  Chemicals, biohazardous materials require PPE
• Tuberculosis testing is completed upon hire and as required thereafter

• Entry level

• Full-time

• Health Care Provider

• Hospitals and Health Care

Location:

Albuquerque, NM