Overview

Adult Outpatient Programs provide the least restrictive level of care where adults may receive clinical interventions aimed at decreasing existing signs and symptoms. Outpatient treatment focuses on recovery, problem resolution, symptom reduction, stabilization and/or prevention of movement to a higher level of care. Treatment varies widely and depends upon the consumer’s presenting symptoms.

Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Direct the clinical nursing services for AltaPointe Outpatient Programs located at Bay Minette AOP & COP, Fairhope AOP, Foley AOP, Franklin, and Washington County
• Train nursing staff in documentation requirements and monitor for adherence to standards
• Monitor nurses to ensure completion of AVATAR To Do Lists
• Ensure nursing staff meet productivity
• Ensure staff coverage for all clinics
• Identify and monitor nursing deficiencies (through peer reviews, trainings, chart audits, etc.) in the outpatient clinics and implement corrective measures
• Administer medications, observing the Seven Rights of medication administration
• Provides medication education for the patient and family, including uses and potential side effects. Monitor patientss for potential side effects of medications and reports findings to the Provider
• Ensure completion of the following for clinic appointments: Medical Checklist/Physical Health/Nutritional screening, Medication List/MAR, height/weight, AIMS and vital signs, PHQ-9, Alcohol Use Assessment, Coordination of Care, Psychotropic Consent forms, as applicable, provide Tobacco Cessation information, provide information and/or referral for patients with indications of alcohol abuse
• Monitors and ensure completion of nursing and Provider documentation
• Coordinate provision of services by CMA, nurses and Providers
• Inform staff and implement new and/or changes in policies, procedures, standards
• Ensure follow up is conducted for missed clinic and injection appointments
• Ensure coverage for completion of the nursing portion of intakes/aftercares of Baldwin County group home patients
• Ensure requirements regarding Clozaril are met
• Monitor laboratory results, UDS results and reports abnormal findings to the Provider
• Ensure Verbal Orders are printed weekly, signed by Provider, and sent to Scanning
• Ensure Sample Medications are received, logged, stored, and distributed per standards
• Order medical supplies
• Ensure weight scales and medical equipment are calibrated and maintained per standards
• Ensure compliance with glucose monitor log, medication room checklist, refrigerator log, and AED monthly check
• Maintain availability for nurses and CMA to staff difficult cases
• Respond to questions from CarePointe staff in a timely manner
• Ensure follow up for any psychopharm after hours crisis reports
• Assist in clinic as needed
• Provides emergency care as needed in response to Codes 999 and Code 0.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize the elements of a crisis state and knows how to deescalate or resolve the situation to include nursing triage services as needed

Administers appropriate personnel functions

• Interview nursing and CMA applicants when necessary and completes necessary forms as outlined by Personnel Policy and Procedure
• Provides staff training in the general orientation of the facility, policies and procedures, program operations and specific skill areas
• Objectively complete employee performance evaluations on program staff (can be with the assistance of the program coordinator)
• Complete API and Company mileage by noon on Monday of new pay period
• Provide ongoing consultation and training for nursing staff in outpatient clinics
• Is knowledgeable and applies personnel policies and procedures on a consistent basis
• Ensure staff maintain credentialing and licenses
• Ensure nursing staff receive and maintain all CLIA waived requirements
• Ensure competence of outpatient nursing staff

Supervision and Consultation

• Seek clinical supervision and consultation needs
• Accept and employ suggestions for improvement
• Actively work to enhance clinical skills
• Informs supervisor of staff changes, incident reports, issues that arise as needed

Clinical Record Keeping

• Document in a timely fashion per AltaPointe policy
• Document in a clear, concise manner, types of patient problems, treatment goals and services provided
• Documentation shows that forms, notes, logs, and other applicable written information are completed promptly, accurately and updated when appropriate
• Document legibly

Courteous and respectful towards patients, visitors and co-workers

• Treat patients with care, dignity and compassion
• Respects patient’s privacy and confidentiality
• Is pleasant and cooperative with others
• Assist patients and visitors as needed
• Personal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for others

Administrative and Other related duties as Assigned

• Actively participates in Performance Improvement activities
• Collaborates with Leadership, PI, Assistant Coordinators & Coordinators regarding nursing issues and services
• Assists in preparation for audits by DMH, Joint Commission, Medicaid
• Actively participates in AltaPointe committees as required
• Follows AltaPointe policies & procedures
• Maintains current State license and requirements for renewals (i.e. CEUs), and attends to required in-services and workshops

Qualifications

Possesses current RN license to practice in the state of Alabama.

Knowledge in adult and child/adolescent specialty, outlined below, to be attained within six (6) months of employment:

• Knowledge of psychiatric disorders and serious emotional disturbances
• Knowledge of general and psychiatric nursing care
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology especially those terms associated with psychiatric care
• Familiarity of psychopharmacology and the use of psychotropic medications
• Knowledge of behavior management, crisis intervention and, interventions common to acute psychotic patients as well as to non-violent crisis intervention practice
• Knowledge of educational methods appropriate to the populations
• Knowledge of cultural diversity