Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Evaluates health needs of clients in programs and community support. Develops and implements policies and procedures related to medication therapy and other nursing needs in A.C.T. and community support services.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Service

• Interacts with health care professionals and provide necessary care.
• Assesses adverse reactions to medication therapy and confers with physician when necessary.
• Monitors diagnostic testing.
• Administers IM medication as ordered for out patient adult clients, as needed.
• Trains and continuously evaluates all staff on medical policies and procedures.
• Oversees and trains non-medical personnel in medication administration procedures for program.
• Orders and picks up medication and supplies as needed.
• Maintains credentials as required by certifying/licensing body. Participates in professional development and in-service programs as required by position.
• Participates in improving organizational performance through involvement in agency and department quality improvement programs, as needed.
• Responsible for following all organization and department precautions and procedures in the performance of all duties to ensure a safe work environment for self and others.
• Promotes effective working relationships and works effectively as part of the departmental team to facilitate the meeting of departmental goals and objectives.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of medical policies and procedures and handle medical tools and equipment effectively (i.e. stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, audio scope, etc.).
• Must have knowledge of pharmacology, administration of medication and adverse reactions.
• Must have knowledge of crisis and medical emergency protocols.
• Must be able to administer First Aid, physical assessment and intra-muscular (IM) medication administration.
• Must have knowledge of infection control procedures.
• Assesses physical needs of clients and confer with physician when necessary and handles crisis and medical emergencies.
• Interfacing and networking with outside contacts.
• Must occasionally stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, reach, handle and lift.
• Close vision and color vision are required.
• Maintain the company’s productivity requirements (100%) at all times.

Administrative

• Maintain clinical and management records in accordance with assigned Services Programs.
• Completes Service Activity Logs (SALS) daily and monitors and documents absenteeism.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures and monitors infection control for facility. 
• Sets up, monitors, administers and documents medication therapy.
• Other responsibilities and tasks as may from time to time be assigned.

General

• Conduct all professional activity in an ethical manner.
• Conform to all applicable policies and procedures.
• In conjunction with other staff assist in identifying and eliminating any situation which jeopardizes the health and/or safety of clients, staff, or others who come in contact with community mental health center operations.
• Utilize literature, workshops and other training aids to continually improve clinical and administrative skills.
• In conjunction with supervisor, complete and implement Individual Professional Development Plan.
• Assist in assuring Edgewater Systems compliance with all related licensing and accreditation requirements.

SUPERVISED BY:

Program Supervisor, Manager and/or Chief Medical Officer

WORKERS SUPERVISED:

None

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education - Degree from an accredited nursing program is required.
• Licensures/Certifications - A current Indiana license as a LPN.
• Experience – Minimum of one year experience in psychiatric nursing, in an adult in-patient unit or child/adolescent unit is required.
• Other – Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Furnish own inspected, automobile as needed for Center work and transportation of clients.
• A good driving record.
• Appropriate automobile insurance and valid license tags.