In collaboration with psychiatrists, provides age-appropriate comprehensive care for patients receiving treatment in outpatient and inpatient programs. Incorporates evidence-based nursing practices consistent with national standards and which support quality outcomes. Acts as a liaison between members of the mental health care team, patient, and family and agencies and acts as a resource and consultant regarding mental health issues.

Essential Job Functions

• Supports and practices the mission and philosophy of Billings Clinic and the Behavioral Health Center.
• As a member of the multi-disciplinary treatment team and under supervision of a psychiatrist shall:
Provide comprehensive age-appropriate care for patients receiving treatment at the Behavioral Health Clinic.
Uses a holistic approach including tests and measurements in assessing neuro developmental, biophysical, psychosocial, environmental, and educational status. Maintains appropriate skill/knowledge of application and patient relevance of commonly used equipment specific to area; pharmacological application; application of laboratory values with disease process or physiological status.
Documents in the progress note RN assessment, action plan, and education.
Utilize laboratory, EKG, EEG, and diagnostic imaging results to initiate, support or modify patient care.
Gathers and documents patient vital sign information necessary for appropriate care and medication reconciliation.
Make referrals to appropriate mental health professionals and facilitate the development of an integrated physician plan of care
Interviews patients’ families when indicated.
Facilitate medication management and medication education of Behavioral Health patients.
Work closely with psychiatrists; understand the treatment philosophy of each, have a strong understanding of mental disorders, diagnostic categories, psychotropic and psychostimulant medications, somatic therapies and psychotherapy.
Provide direct services to patients as necessary (i.e. diagnosis and medication education, crisis intervention, RN assessments in adjunct to physician appointments. Assist referrals to support groups or organization, for example NAMI, AA)
Coordinate the patients’ post hospital care as necessary.
Participate in clinical supervision.
Participate in the development and implementation of systems for evaluating the quality and appropriateness of clinical services. Utilizes performance improvement principles to assess and improve quality.
Analyzes and shares the practice implications of nursing research within Behavioral Health Clinic services.
Seek opportunities to promote Behavioral Health Clinic
• Adheres to national patient safety standards and identifies and anticipates problems and safety issues and initiates appropriate action. Maintains competency in all organizational, departmental and outside agency environmental, employee or patient safety standards relevant to job performance.
• Performs other duties as assigned or needed to meet the needs of the department/organization.