SUMMARY: The Psychiatric Nurse is responsible for providing direct nursing care to the residents, and to supervise the day-to-day nursing activities performed by nursing assistants. Such supervision must be in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern our facility, and as may be required by the Director of Nursing to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct the day-to-day functions of the nursing assistants. Meet with your assigned nursing staff, as well as support personnel, in planning the shift’s services, programs and activities. Make written & oral reports/recommendations concerning the activities of the shift as required. Admit, transfer and discharge residents as required. Provide leadership to nursing personnel assigned to your unit/shift.

Complete & file required recordkeeping forms/charts upon the resident’s admission, transfer and/or discharge. Receive & transcribe telephone orders from physicians & record on the Physician’s Order Form. Chart nurse’s notes in an informative & descriptive manner that reflects the care provided to the resident, as well as the resident’s response to the care. Fill out and complete accident/incident reports & submit to Director as required. Perform routine charting duties as required & in accordance with established charting & documentation policies & procedures.

Prepare & administer medications as ordered by the physician.

Develop & maintain a good working rapport with inter-departmental personnel, as well as other departments within the facility to ensure that nursing services and activities can be adequately maintained to meet the needs of the residents. Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the unit and shift. Receive/give the nursing report upon reporting in and ending shift duty hours. Make rounds with physicians as necessary.

Administer professional services such as: catheterization, tube feedings, suction, applying and changing dressings/bandages, packs, colostomy, and drainage bags, taking blood, giving massages and range of motion exercises, etc., as required.

Monitor your assigned personnel to ensure that they are following established safety regulations in the use of equipment and supplies.

Maintain confidentiality of all resident care information including protected health information. Report known or suspected incidents of unauthorized disclosure of such information. Ensure that all nursing care is provided in privacy and that nursing service personnel knock before entering the resident’s room.

Provide IV & IV site care as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as an RN in the state of Illinois.

Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Must be able to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

Must be knowledgeable of nursing & medical practices & procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to nursing care facilities.

Current CPR Certification is required

Experience in Long Term Care is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

Must be able to cope with the mental & emotional stress of the position.

Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which include a medical & physical examination.

Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.

May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.