POSITION PURPOSE:To provide direct patient care and management of adults (ages 18 ), adolescents (ages 12-18) or children (ages 4-12) as prescribed by the physician and treatment team; to provide medical management and assessment as prescribed by a physician or physician assistant; to provide safety and crisis management for patient populations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides leadership and direction to Mental Health Workers and LVNs
2. Assesses patient/resident care.
3. Administers medication and medical treatment as prescribed by a physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner.
4. Provides structure to and assists in maintaining the therapeutic milieu.
5. Documents nursing care and treatment progression in the progress notes using the multi-disciplinary treatment plan.
6. Implements nursing and milieu care. Oversight and management of therapeutic milieu.
7. Assesses, intervenes and directs staff in psychiatric and/or medical crisis situations.
8. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of appropriate nursing assessment, diagnosis, and intervention with psychiatric patients. Ability to accurately administer medication and monitor side effects. Knowledge of milieu management. Ability to delegate responsibility to other staff and monitor their performance. Ability to safely implement emergency behavioral interventions. Skill in developing therapeutic relationships with adults, children, adolescents and their families. Skill in preparing and maintaining appropriate medical record documentation.

EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION: Current Texas driver's license or valid state ID. Current Texas State Registered Nurse license or compact state licensure.

EXPERIENCE: Experience in Mental Health Nursing preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

* Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination, and ability to run.

* Ability to assist in restraint of a patient.

* Lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.

* Ability to perform CPR and ability to drive a vehicle.

* Walks 6 hours per day, frequently standing, bending, stooping and reaching to check or move equipment and assist patients.

* Hearing and vision sufficient to perform essential functions.

* Emotional stability necessary to perform essential functions.

* Must be able to speak clearly and write legibly.