Night Crisis Care Center Registered Nurse (RN)

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS

Complete all admission and discharge paperwork including nursing assessments, physical assessments on individuals with mental health / substance abuse symptoms exhibiting a state of crisis and needs with development of nursing care plans

Obtain medical histories and provide medical screening

Monitor, record and report symptoms and changes in individuals' conditions by observation using proper nursing care to the Provider and Nurse Manager and document individual progress or lack thereof

Responsible for updating the initial treatment plan with any medical issues, in conjunction with other staff

Complete required daily shift note for all individuals on Extended Observation

Ensure all chart checks, CIWA, COWS, vitals are completed on the shift and all required logs (refrigerator, temperature logs) are updated on the sift

Transcribe orders if needed

Coordinate and implement discharge plans to outside community agencies and providers

Follow-up on medical concerns by providing direct nursing services to clients

Monitors with or without observation, withdrawal complications, possible medication side effects and emerging symptoms of mental illness

Demonstrate competency for Blood Glucose Monitoring, Alcohol Breathalyzer, Urine Drug Screen, Pregnancy Test, and PPD skin tests

Monitor and document all ordered labs, screenings, and results such as PPD, Blood Glucose, UA, RPR, Blood Chem, and CBC

Perform safe phlebotomy practices when drawing blood labs

Provides health education to groups and / or individuals

Maintains up to date, well documented medical records in compliance with state and program requirements

Participates in case reviews as a member of the multidisciplinary team

Administers medications and conducts audits on medication record documents to ensure accountability and compliance with medical direction

Intervene, stabilize and manage acute crisis situations as needed

Assist with seclusions and restraints when necessary and complete all required paperwork (i.e. seclusion / restraint packets and incident reports by the end of the shift)

Other duties and tasks as assigned

Perform all administrative duties as required

Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Registered nurse with a current Alabama Nursing license

Two years experience working with serious mental illness and / or substance use populations preferred

Familiarity with psychotropic and neuroleptic drugs, their uses as well as potential side effects

Valid American Red Cross CPR / First Aid certification

Valid Alabama drivers license

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES :

Knowledge of the seriously mentally ill and substance use population

Knowledge of special needs and behavioral characteristics of the seriously mentally ill and / or substance use adult population

Assessment skills in the areas of physical and mental status

Familiarity with psychotropic and neuroleptic drugs, their uses, and potential side effects

Knowledge and ability to properly administer psychotropic / neuroleptic drugs as ordered by the prescriber

Knowledge of legal and ethical issues relative to confidentiality of client records and the ability to interpret and apply them within the scope of nursing responsibilities

Working knowledge of clinical interviewing techniques and principles

Effective communication skills, written and expressive

Ability and willingness to document activities and maintain records in the electronic health record

Trained in or willing to be trained in crisis intervention, specifically Therapeutic Options