Behavioral Health RN - $10,000 Hiring Bonus

Job Summary: The incumbent performs nursing procedures for patients of all ages independently within the framework of established policy within the behavioral health department. The registered nurse is a licensed professional nurse responsible for assessment of patients, development, implementation, and evaluation of a patient plan of care; administration of therapeutic measures; teaching and counseling of patients and families; and participating in the development of nursing policies and procedures and quality assurance standards. The registered nurse is responsible for the delivery of comprehensive health care to patients of all ages, utilizing standards of care and practice, policies, protocols, and procedures. The purpose of the work is to perform the full range of the nursing process from assessment to evaluation. The work affects the physical and psychosocial well-being of the patients and their families.

Job Description: Incumbent will be responsible for assisting in all outpatient behavioral health nursing clinics ie, MAT, OTP, Detention Center dosing, psychiatric clinic, and assist with screening and labs as needed. May be asked to change work schedule as incoming in earlier or later to assist in covering daily dosing and/or MAT clinic. Care provided will meet facility, national, and regulatory quality indicators. Utilizes best practice models to identify, share, and establish best practices for health promotion and disease prevention strategies for behavioral health including psychiatry medication management, buprenorphine and Methadone clinics Reviews the patient’s health records and health summary, interviewing patients and family members, documenting the chief complaints, medical history, physical and clinical findings, identifying learning needs of the patient and family, and determining priority of care required. Assessment for health prevention, health promotion, restorative, and health maintenance needs is emphasized. Collects data from observations such as appearance, physical and psychological function, behavior, lab values, vital signs, and speaks with relevant sources (patient, family, or caregiver) regarding the biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors that might influence and impact the health status of the individual. Assesses patient needs using established clinical guidelines, SAMHSA guidelines, protocols, and pathways. Use correct screening tools to determine care needs, such as PHQ-9, Columbia Scale, COWS, etc. Develops, implements, and evaluates individualized patient care plans with input from the patient, patient’s family, therapists, case managers, and anyone else the patient requests to be included for all patients with specific attention paid to those patients considered “high risk.”.Develops expected patient outcomes that are observable and within an adequate time frame, and are congruent with the patient’s present and potential physical capabilities and behavioral patterns. Provides patient education, advice, and information on health assessment, disease processes, medications, treatment plans, and available community resources. Documents all patient education activities within the patient's/family’s level of understanding. Factors that might influence the patient’s health status will be discussed with the MAT team, including providers and therapy. Contact patients for random drug screens, pill and bottle counts as indicated. Respond to phone calls regarding medication questions and refill requests. Send orders request to the physician when appropriate and contact the physician when any questions or concerns. Work to ensure effective utilization of resources through efficient scheduling and patient management practices. Performs nursing interventions including, but not limited to: Detects changes in the patient’s condition and takes appropriate action. Recognizes, identifies, and interprets serious situations and immediately decides proper action. Initiates appropriate resuscitative measures in an emergency situation, such as administering Narcan. Initiates appropriate action when safety measures are required to protect patients. Documents observations, nursing interventions, patient progress, needs, treatments, diagnoses, possible side effects of treatment, teaching, patient response, effectiveness, complications, and communicates information to the physician, co-workers, and other health personnel. Administers and documents medications per manufacturer guidelines, hospital policy, SAMHSA guidelines, and established protocols, and according to the state board of nursing regulations. Documents all known drug allergies in the medical record and according to protocol. Assures that all medications, treatments, and tests are done appropriately and in a timely manner, detects, and reports medication errors. Assures that proper Methadone inventory is kept per policy and SAMHSA guidelines Provides guidance, leadership, and training to other nursing personnel and behavioral health MAT support staff. Maintains a safe environment through the practice of universal precautions and body substance isolation, medical waste/chemical management, and containment. Isolates infected patients. Cleans patient contact areas and equipment according to policies and OSHA regulations. Specimen collection Participates in the development and implementation of performance improvement activities. Identifies and reports risk management issues. Assumes responsibility for the adequacy and appropriateness of supplies and ensures proper functioning of all medical equipment. Maintains cleanliness and orderliness of work areas. Promotes patient advocacy and confidentiality. Serves on committees as appointed. Maintains and promotes positive and constructive communications and activities within nursing services, other departments, tribal, and community agencies, such as syringe services for the purposes of coordinating and understanding goals and objectives relevant to the population served. Functions appropriately during disasters. Updates and maintains currency/competency in nursing practices and standards by attending training and in-services. Documents nursing care and patient progress according to hospital policy. Participates in ongoing nursing quality assurance program. It may be necessary to work when administrative leave is granted if patient care would be compromised. Other duties as assigned.