Behavioral Health Nurse

POSITION SUMMARY

This position works directly with case managers, psychiatrist/psychiatric providers, and other mental health professionals to provide mental health services to individuals throughout Juneau County.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

1. Completes nursing assessments and evaluations at the time of admission, and ongoing during scheduled appointments.
2. Administers medications, including injectable medications. Completes medication flow sheets.  
3. Obtains vitals and appropriate ROI/consent forms from service recipients.
4. Provides independent psychiatric nursing assessment of medical needs of service recipients with mental illness and substance use disorders in office and in community settings.
5. Evaluates service recipients for progress, side effects, and efficacy of psychotropic medications—schedules follow-up appointments.
6. Provides medication management for service recipients, including arranging or packaging oral medications as directed by physician or psychiatrist.
7. Assists in educating service recipients/family members about their prescribed medications and mental illness.
8. Sets up medication boxes to assist with medication compliance.
9. Triages mental health or medication concerns in coordination with Behavioral Therapists, as directed by physician or psychiatrist, including calling in prescriptions.
10. Maintains timely and complete electronic medical records for all assigned cases; completes required written assessments, reports, and other related paperwork/documentationas necessary.
11. Develops and maintains professional knowledge and skills to enhance the programs and services provided.
12. Consults with supervisors, interdisciplinary teams, and legal counsel on appropriate case-specific matters, as necessary.  

1. Keeps medication informed consent sheets up to date. Logs medications prescribed by physician/psychiatrist.
2. Provides ongoing monitoring of compliance with both oral and I.M. psychiatric medications; evaluates consumers as to benefits of current medications and for potential side effects.
3. Serves as liaison with physicians and other health care providers in the community to ensure coordination of services. 
4. Coordinates indigent patient medication programs, keeps records of the flow of indigent medication from the time it is ordered, received, and when it needs to be reordered. Assists with the organization and inventory of physician samples of medication and incoming indigent medications.
5. Reviews, evaluates, and formulates treatment plans for service recipients as part of the interdisciplinary team.
6. Manages infection control within the clinic; manages clinic safety protocols.

EXPECTATIONS 

• Interprets and applies Federal, State, municipal, and Department rules, regulations, and policies.
• Attends work regularly and is punctual.
• Behaves professionally and presentsan appropriate standardof grooming, hygiene, and dress that aligns with health and safety standards.
• Conducts self in such a way as to reflect positively on the County.
• Fosters positive working relationships and accepts new responsibilities.
• Learns and understands the safe practices for the job being performed andcomplies withthe safe work practices and personal protective requirements for the job.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles, standards, practices, and techniques of professional and public health nursing.
• Knowledge of the inherent dangers and precautions to be taken in using drugs and other medication.
• Knowledge of treatment, assessment, immunization, and related medical services for service recipients in the area of assignment.
• Knowledge of local and State rules, regulations, procedures, and policies pertaining to nursing services.
• Ability to effectively assess consumers’ medical needs and their ability to make medical decisions and document accordingly. 
• Knowledge of PPE and its proper use for personal safety measures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical information and assure rights and privacy are protected at all times per HIPAA.
• Ability to exhibit a warm, cheerful, caring manner. 
• Ability to accurately maintain medical records and prepare reports.
• Knowledge of electronic records systems.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations that affect the delivery of services provided by the Department.
• Knowledge of Wisconsin Statutes and ongoing statutory changes, procedural changes, and form changes.
• Knowledge of computer software and systems consistent with this position.
• Ability toestablishand maintainaccuraterecords of assigned activities and operations.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.

• Skill in active listening, non-judgmental communication, safety planning, and collaborative problem solving.
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priorities.
• Skill in time management; prioritizing duties to accomplish a high volume of quality work product requiring minimal supervision.
• Ability to define problems, exercise sound judgment, and address a variety of situations successfully.
• Knowledge and ability to follow the policies and practices contained in the County Personnel Handbook. 
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours if needed.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Nursing and two (2) years of work experience in psychiatric nursing.
• Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Wisconsin.
• Must successfully pass caregiver and criminal background check.