Apalachee Center, Inc. is best known for helping individuals and families of North Florida succeed in recovering from emotional, psychiatric, and substance abuse crises. Apalachee Center, Inc. provides comprehensive behavioral health services across 8 counties (Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties).

Apalachee Center, Inc. offers competitive benefits for our full-time positions to include health, dental, vision, basic life insurance, long term disability, paid time off, and more.

Overview:

The RN is responsible for triaging each individual as they arrive and completing the pre-admission nursing screening for all clients and nursing assessment and physician admitting orders for ACI admissions. Information gathered from the individual, family/significant other, nursing home, assisted living facility, etc. about the individual’s current medical conditions, and medications currently prescribed will be documented. The individual’s primary care physician and/or identified Pharmacy will be contacted if appropriate. The RN will review the findings of the nursing assessment with the psychiatrist and the inpatient unit nurse, or the nursing staff at TMH or CRMC if the individual is being transferred. Medications ordered by physicians will be provided immediately, if needed, to alleviate any urgent medical or behavioral health symptoms. Crisis management is also provided, including initiating seclusion or Emergency Treatment Orders/Holds, if necessary. The RN provides support to the team and co-supervision of the CRF Associates, drivers, and other team members in the absence of the CRF Team Leader.

ESSENTIAL/CORE JOB-SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Completes pre-admission nursing assessments expeditiously to help team meet the 2 hour target for disposition to a receiving facility referral for admission. Completes admission Nursing Assessments and Medication Reconciliation for ACI admissions in accordance with Client Record Handbook and unit procedure specifications. MAR’S will be initiated and administration of medication documented if medication is given in CRF.
• Conducts “read back” process for each verbal order in accordance with Agency policy/unit procedures. Provides and documents direct nursing care as needed in accordance with unit procedures and physician's orders. Documents according to JC standards.
• Performs ongoing nursing supervision, assessment and monitoring of clients while they are in the Access unit. Follows-up on client medical complaints. Notifies physician of changes in client's condition. Documents ad hoc nursing care progress notes in accordance with unit procedures.
• If medications are administered, verifies proper identification of client using two identifiers (photograph and name wrist band) for each medication administration and clinical test procedure in accordance with Agency policy/Unit procedure. Maintains unit compliance with applicable medication management, storage and narcotic control policies and procedures. Ensures monthly medication cabinet inspections and inpatient monthly drug inspection forms are completed each month, as assigned by Supervisor. Orders medications from Pharmacy and nursing care inventory from Central Supply in advance to prevent inadequate supply.
• Reviews all referrals thoroughly, but quickly, and ensures that the referral source is contacted for additional information and later with the disposition (acceptance or denial) within two hours or less.
• Coordinates and leads inter-shift report with nursing, Associates, Access Counselors, and other staff. Provides supervision of MHAs and Drivers. Assures compliance with established continuity of care and client safety change-of-shift procedures. Assigns MHA at beginning of report to perform change of shift Safety Inspection in accordance with program procedures.
• The CRF nurse will coordinate all ACI admissions with the admitting unit nurses to ensure appropriate bed availability. The RN will ensure that the client being admitted to ACI gets to the unit quickly and will bring the client directly to the unit after disposition is determined.

Education/Experience:

• Official transcripts from approved college or university.
• Minimum of three (3) years of RN experience in a psychiatric setting preferred.

Licensure or Certification:

• Licensure as a registered nurse in accordance with Florida Statute 464.
• Must obtain and maintain current CPR, First Aid, and CPI certifications.