Responsible for delegation, supervision and provision of the nursing care of a designated group of patients through utilization of the nursing process.  Provides age-appropriate care.  Participates in research when appropriate and incorporates research findings into evidence-based clinical practice.  Contributes to quality improvement processes.  Adheres to MHS Mission, Vision, and Values, the TMH Nursing Division Mission, Vision and Philosophy, the ANA Code of Ethics and the Illinois Nursing Act. 

Education:

Yearly Credentialing to Maintain Current Track:

• Attends all JCAHO, OSHA and hospital/manager specified mandatory inservices.
• Validates competencies and obtains credentials as identified in unit specific requirements.
• Minimum four contact hours of specialty, manager approved education within last 12 months (does not include Joint Commission mandatory inservices).
• Completion of self-evaluation.

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

• Licensed as RN in State of Illinois required.
• BSN preferred.
• CPR certification required, or obtained during nursing team onboarding process

Experience:

• Minimum 2-3 years nursing experience required. Previous experience in a psychiatric setting and/or leadership experience is preferred.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must be able to position and/or transfer an average adult patient and possess gross coordination sufficient to perform other patient care duties as required. Must be able to withstand prolonged periods of standing.  Must be able to perform difficult manipulative skills such as IV insertion and IM injections.
• Environmental working conditions include exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue, contagious diseases and/or radioactive or other potentially hazardous materials.

1. Program Lead

• Assures a therapeutic environment for clients, including client comfort, client rights and client/family education/participation in treatment.
• Assures implementation of program standards in regard to client hygiene and iatrogenic program prevention.
• Maintains clients’ daily schedule to provide consistency, stability and appropriate activities.
• Assures client attendance at therapeutic activities.
• Evaluates appropriateness and effectiveness of therapeutic activities, modifying these as indicated following consultation with UltraGroup and Manager.
• Implements unit admission criteria, in conjunction with Medical Director.
• Monitors client’s Length of Stay (LOS) to meet multiple goals.
• Implements Master Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning process and documentation according to unit and accreditation standards.
• Utilizes a problem-solving approach.
• Coordinates communication between/among staff and physicians.
• Monitors staffing needs with respect to patient census and staff vacations.
• Conducts monthly staff meetings.
• Assures compliance with HFAP, Medicare, state licensure and hospital standards and requirements.
• Participates in hospital committees as appropriate.
• Works collaboratively and cooperatively with Medical Director.
• Assures appropriate appearance, cleanliness, organization and orderliness of unit environment.
• Maintains a complaints log and follows up on incident reports according to hospital policy.
• Participates in hospital committees are requested.
• Attends meetings, as appropriate.
• Coordinates activities with other departments as indicated or requested.
• Reports data and information requested to authorized individuals.
• Monitors staff performance on an ongoing basis to assist Manager meeting job and programs standards.
• Helps to recruit and screen potential staff.
• Works with Manager to provide for staff counseling, guidance and education to address job descriptions, performance, and identified problems.
• Provides regular and ongoing staff education.
• Creates an environment conducive to staff growth.
• Creates a cohesive group in the unit, which participates in the hospital’s culture.
• Implements unit business plan in regard to Average Daily Census on monthly basis and in regard to budget.
• Maintains knowledge and awareness of regulatory issues affecting delivery of client care services.
• Establish/maintain appropriate patient/family rapport.
• Assures referral source follow-up.
• Participates in educational activities for unit visibility (unit tours, programs and presentations to groups, etc.)
• Represents unit at public events.
• Communicates effectively with individuals and with groups about unit, program and hospital.
• Administers expenses within budgetary limit.

2. Registered Nurse

• Completes an admission geropsychiatric nursing assessment for every client according to unit standard.
• Implements fall prevention and other protocols as indicated.
• Regularly obtains and documents clients’ vital signs and weights according to program standard.
• Communicates relevant clinical and other client care.
• Monitors clients on an ongoing basis to identify health needs, problems and/or symptoms.
• Assists clients with personal care needs (bathroom, etc.) as needed or requested.
• Monitors and documents clients’ food and fluid intake at lunch to assure adequate caloric intake and to prevent marginal dehydration.
• Assists clients with menu selection.
• Coordinates and documents clients’ care in cases of medical emergency, providing a report to the Emergency Department or other appropriate resource.
• Educates clients regarding bowel activity patterns to maintain regularity, prevent constipation and impaction.
• Implements bowel hygiene program according to client need.
• Assists clients on and off van as needed.
• Assists with History and Physical as needed or requested.
• Assures that client brings medications from home for self-administration during program hours.
• Provides for appropriate storage of medications.
• Supervises and documents clients’ self-administration of medications.
• Maintains current physician orders for PRN medications as needed.
• Reminds client to take PRN medications as needed.
• Advises client and family regarding PRN medications to bring.
• Provides client education in all areas of self-care, medical/psychiatric conditions, medications and/or physical/mental health as indicated or requested.
• Provides families and family caregivers with education on health-related topics.
• Attends Treatment Team meetings.
• Completes client education.
• Facilitates obtaining nutritional assessment data as needed.
• Implements and documents nursing interventions that are part of the interdisciplinary treatment plan.
• Attends community meetings as requested.
• Participates in the completion of maintenance of clients’ medical records, including recording of physician orders.
• Maintains physical examination supplies according to program standard.
• Promotes an environment and holds staff accountable to provide a great patient experience.
• Participates in QI activities as requested.
• Coordinates clients’ meals and transportation as requested or in absence of Unit Secretary.

3. Performs other duties and tasks as assigned.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.