Registered Nurse RN - Psychiatric Care Unit

Summary The Registered Nurse (RN) provides direct care to patients using the nursing process. This includes ongoing assessment of the total patient. The RN provides interventions to treat the presenting symptoms and evaluates the effect of nursing interventions and patient’s responses. The RN functions as a team leader/member and resource to others. The RN delegates, oversees and provides direction to support staff.

Collaborates with interdisciplinary team to establish goals and outcomes for each patient. The RN is responsible for meeting the needs of all types of patients.

• 40% Regularly assess patient’s needs and provide skilled nursing services as prescribed by the physician authorized plan of care and accepted standards of evidence based nursing practice.
• 30% Provide direct patient care including medication administration, treatments, education, call lights, assisting with transfers, responding to alarms, and other duties as appropriate.
• 20% Evaluate effectiveness of treatment plan and make suggestions or participate in updating/revising the treatment plan in collaboration with other team members, utilizing current information to improve patient care.
• 10% Ensure knowledge and compliance with all local, state and federal regulations and guidelines as well as hospital specific policies and procedures relating to care provided in the medical center.

• Demonstrate the My Michigan Health mission, vision and values.
• Behave in a courteous, professional manner at all times with patients, visitors, and co‑workers.
• Interpret information and reports pertinent to the physician.
• Educate patient/family according to assessed learning needs considering readiness, ability, preferences, and cultural/spiritual variables.
• Organize and prioritize the needs of groups of patients or an individual patient.
• Manage assignments and perform routine duties on the unit and instruct other team members when appropriate, explaining goals and rationale for individualized care.
• Understand clinical pathways and utilize them appropriately.
• Maintain a professional demeanor in all situations.
• Document accurately, clearly, and concisely, including pertinent clinical data.
• Share information and report significant changes and/or abnormal findings to appropriate team members in a timely manner.
• Participate in regulatory surveys and performance‑improvement activities.
• Assist with orientation and ongoing competencies.
• Provide a safe and secure environment for patient care.
• Maintain knowledge of current trends and professional standards within a specialty.
• Understand role in emergency preparedness procedures.
• Follow hospital policy and procedures.
• Administer medications as ordered.
• Obtain and transcribe physician orders.
• Have working knowledge of computers, phones, and unit equipment.

• Provide for the age‑specific needs of adults 18 and older, including the mental health population, according to department standards and policies/procedures.
• Communicate information accurately and effectively (verbal and written) to the treatment team, to patient, to family, and to other appropriate agencies.
• Pursue advancement of clinical skills (ask questions, seek feedback, share articles, attend education opportunities, enroll in classes).
• Monitor and manage the milieu to maintain a safe environment; identify and intervene appropriately in any potential crisis; utilize crisis intervention skills and updated techniques per policy.
• Conduct groups as appropriate and provide activities for patients when needed.
• Maintain patient dignity, rights, and confidentiality.
• Collaborate effectively with other departments and agencies on behalf of the patient.
• Monitor and document changes in patient mental and physical status and complete admission assessments accurately, promptly, and thoroughly.
• Perform basic nursing tasks such as obtaining vital signs, weight, I/O, specimen collection, and assistance with personal care.
• Use seclusion and restraints appropriately and document per policy.
• Convey a positive attitude and collaborate to solve identified problems.
• Understand mental health code, serve as a patient advocate,…