SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the ACT Team Leader/Coordinator and the guidance of the ACT Nurse Manager, provides nursing services to participants in the agency's ACT. Services include delivery and administration of medications prescribed by the team psychiatrist and monitoring of the effects of these medications and the health status of recipients. The Nurse works as a member of a multi-disciplinary team, providing care to persons with serious and persistent mental illness, and duties are performed both in an office and in community and home settings. The Nurse coordinates with other team nurses to maintain the alternate delivery site medication room. The nurse assists in providing program coverage at all hours as the need arises.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF POSITION

• Coordinates medical aspects of care, including monitoring and administration of medications in a manner that meets the unique needs of clients;
• Provides education to program participants regarding their medical and mental health condition and treatment;
• Develops and engages individuals in health promotion activities, such as health and wellness clinics, smoking cessation efforts, weight management and other education programs for disease prevention;
• Assess participants for range of health care needs and facilitate linkage and on-going connection to relevant urgent, primary and specialty health services;
• In collaboration with the other nurses on the team and under the direction of the Nurse Manager, organizes and manages the system of distribution of medication to persons served, prioritizing the needs of the individuals and safety concerns;
• Provides routine examinations, such as measuring blood pressure, pulse, temperature, weight and blood glucose levels;
• Dispenses medication and administers injections;
• Collaborates with other nurses to monitor and maintain the ACT pharmacy;
• Provides case management for an assigned group of persons served, including development and updating of treatment plan, coordinating and monitoring treatment services and supportive counseling;
• Consults with other team members regarding the medical implications of mental health conditions and treatment strategies;
• Participates in team meetings, case reviews and supervision;
• Completes documentation in accordance with licensure, agency and third-party payer requirements;
• Collaborates with other team members to provide 24-hour on-call crisis coverage to participants;
• Does related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Advanced knowledge of the principles, standards and practices related to psychiatric nursing; thorough knowledge of the theories and practices related to the care and treatment of adults with serious and persistent mental illness and individuals with co-occurring MH/SA disorders, including behavior management, independent living skills training, supportive counseling, family education, crisis intervention, discharge planning and service coordination; knowledge of nursing practices, pharmacology and the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and drug use and withdrawal; Knowledge of the Board of Pharmacy and Board of Nursing regulations related to prescription drug storage, administration and documentation; knowledge of community resources, including service providers and entitlement eligibility criteria; effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills; skill in interviewing, observing recording and reporting on participants' functioning; ability to maintain documentation and use the agency's electronic health record; ability to work independently.

FORMAL TRAINING AND WORK EXPERIENCE EXEMPLIFYING KSAs

Licensure in Virginia as a Licensed Practical Nurse with three years of relevant experience.