This is entry-level professional nursing work that may involve care for persons suffering from mental illness, serious emotional disturbance and/or chemical dependency.

The employee is responsible to develop, implement and provide nursing services in accordance with legal, regulatory and funding requirements. Work involves providing general nursing services and activities to reduce the health risks for consumers. Activities may include: providing health risk assessments; developing individualized nursing care and health risk reduction plans; arranging/assisting consumers in accessing health care services; and administering medications. The registered nurse, in addition to maintaining health care records, may also be required to maintain records of program activities and produce administrative reports. The RN will also be assigned as a primary service coordinator and will engage in broad-based, traditional case management services.

The employee is expected to perform work with independence within established nursing standards and procedures. Work is under the general review of an administrative superior who reviews work for conformance with established agency policies and procedures, leaving considerable latitude for independent judgment and discretion. Practice supervision is provided by a physician who reviews work for conformance with accepted health care and nursing standards of practice.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Work may include but is not limited to the following examples:

• Implements and coordinates a health risk reduction program for referred consumers. Maintains records and prepares reports regarding program activities.

• Performs nursing and health risk assessments and records results.

• Identifies the strengths and health risk factors of consumers and develops an individualized health risk reduction plan.

• Meets at scheduled intervals with consumers to monitor progress and implements nursing plan.

• Gives medication and treatments as prescribed by a physician.

• Monitors medication compliance. Notifies physician regarding medication concerns.

• Documents and describes nursing care provided, as well as observations and interventions that contribute to care, by using collaborative documentation.

• Must be able to use the agency electronic medical record program for all documentation. Is required to use collaborative documentation.

• Raises awareness of consumers of health risk and healthy behaviors and provides health education.

• Assists consumers in accessing needed health care by assisting in making arrangements for primary health care, scheduling appointments, helps in arranging transportation and links and communications with health care providers on behalf of consumer.

• Communicates concerns and progress with assigned agency treatment team professionals.

• Represents and/or serves as a liaison for the assigned area of responsibility; cooperates with co-workers; social service and health and welfare agencies and hospitals regarding services.

• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, quality improvement processes and in-service training.

• Performs other related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Working knowledge of professional nursing theory, practices and standards;

Working knowledge of pharmacology and other basic natural and social sciences necessary to provide good nursing care;

Skill in applying nursing principles in the care of the physically or mentally ill;

Skill in implementing therapeutic nursing interventions;

Ability to implement procedures from general instructions; to make and apply decisions in accordance with regulations and policies and procedures;

Ability to maintain an empathetic attitude toward and working relationships with the physically or mentally ill and their families;

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, local officials and the general public;

Ability to assist and exercise tact, patience and understanding of others;

Ability to establish trusting relationships and to effectively interact with persons from diverse cultures;

Ability to act decisively when necessary to protect consumers and assist with the consumers;

Ability to handle confidential information appropriately;

Ability to perform with autonomy or with minimum direction; and

Ability to read, comprehend and speak in the English language.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

• Will meet agency service delivery goals consistently.

• Will meet timeliness of service entry goals 90% of the time.

• Documentation will meet agency standards 95% of the time.