FACILITY: THE BEHAVIORAL CENTER OF MICHIGAN
JOB TITLE: REGISTERED NURSE/STAFF NURSE
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Staff Nurse provides nursing care to assigned patients utilizing the nursing process. The Staff Nurse is directly responsible to the Charge Nurse for quality patient care given to patients in the assigned program.
REPORTS TO: Charge Nurse/ Nurse Supervisor/ Nurse Manager
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduate from an accredited school of nursing.
- Current status as a registered nurse in the State of Michigan.
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing (preferred).
- One year of experience in nursing, with one additional year of experience in psychiatric nursing (preferred).
REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION:
- Hearing: Hearing acuity sufficient to perform job functions.
- Speaking Able to articulate goals and objectives of the Center and to effectively present information to management, committees, staff, patients, families, and licensing and regulating agencies.
- Vision: Normal visual acuity.
- Writing: Written communications skills needed to effectively document in-patient records; assists in Performance Improvement activities.
- Other: Problem solving, organizational, leadership, crisis resolution and patient education skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Physical: Lifting 40 lbs.
- Pushing up to: 150 lbs.
- Manual Dexterity: Average
- Average % of time during regular shift devoted to:
Standing: 21-40 Walking: 21-40
Sitting: 0-20 Squatting: 0-10
AGE(s) OF PATIENTS SERVED AND AGE-SPECIFIC TECHNOLOGY:
- Adult Population: Age 18 and up
- Sufficient knowledge of Growth and Development in order to facilitate patients through the Development Tasks of Young Adulthood (i.e. Intimacy vs. Isolation), Middle Adulthood (i.e. Generativity vs. Stagnation) and Late Adulthood (i.e. Integrity vs. Despair).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The duties set forth below describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a Staff Nurse. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of a Staff Nurse since those duties include all tasks requested by the supervising Nurse (i.e. Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager) to meet the needs of the Center.
- Participates in the development, interpretation and implementation of the Center’s philosophy, objectives, standards, policies and procedures.
- Utilizes the nursing process in planning, providing and evaluating each patient’s care, and produces a written nursing assessment and up-to-date individualized care plan.
- Develops measurable goals on the Individualized Treatment Plan that are mutually set with the treatment team and patient.
- Modifies the nursing component of the Master Treatment Plan as required by changing patient needs, as determined by evaluation of care administered and established standards of care; keeps treatment plan updated; reviews the plan with patients.
- Documents nursing interventions and patient response on progress notes; uses AIR charting.
- Provides a safe, therapeutic environment that protects patient rights.
- Provides general nursing care as required.
- Develops a therapeutic relationship with assigned patients; assists patients in developing coping mechanisms to deal with feelings.
- Sets limits in a therapeutic, consistent manner within program and age-specific guidelines.
- Encourages independent behavior in patients in a therapeutic, age-appropriate manner.
- Serves as a role model for patients and other nursing staff by appearance, manner, attitude and tone.
- Establishes contact with the patient’s physician and interdisciplinary team in order to assist in planning the patient’s care in a professional manner.
- Assesses patient’s physical needs and follows up with necessary treatment.
- Possesses current BLS/CPR certification; proficient in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.
- Intervenes to decrease panic in disturbed patient; is able to use appropriate interventions on a daily basis; demonstrates an understanding and follows up with level system.
- Applies restraints or imposes seclusion in an emergency situation, notifying the patient’s physician for orders as soon as possible within the guidelines of the Seclusion and Restraint Policy. Reviews policy and procedures on a regular basis.
- Admits, discharges and transfers patients based on physician orders, and follows up and completes necessary documentation.
- Ensures that patients and families are oriented to the Center and the unit, and deals with family members in a professional, caring manner.
- Makes discharge plans for each patient; coordinates with other staff.
- Collaborates with members of other disciplines in a professional, helpful manner.
- Teaches patients and families coping skills to deal with behavior in an age-appropriate manner; teaches patients/families about medications, infection control and general health maintenance.
- Incorporates cost containment into nursing plans and their implementation.
- Assists with procedures and physical exams.
- Observes patient behavior for changes in order to intervene appropriately, guide non-professional nursing staff, communicate changes to appropriate staff, and record changes.
- Supervises non-professional nursing staff in provision of quality nursing care by example and as a role model.
- Reviews medical records, check physician orders, and records such orders in a timely manner.
- Acts as a Charge Nurse when so designated by the Nurse Manager.
- Participates in performance appraisals.
- Participates in staff development programs and complies with Mandatory in-service requirements.
- Attends unit staff meetings and willingly participates in in-services.
- Participates in committee activities and program development as required.
- Assumes responsibility for maintaining adequate coverage of patients during break times.
- Follows Dress Code rules and serves as a role model for patients and orientees.
- Follows Center expectations regarding Time and Attendance.
- Performs other duties in a willing manner or as requested by the Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse, including assisting LPNs, MHTs and other non-professional staff.