Rn Mental Health - Mental Health Services - Full Time/Nights - Req# 1912870053

Brief Description

Job Objective:

Professional Registered Nurse working in the Mental Health Department will be oriented to the Standards of Professional Practice during the initial orientation phase.

Under the direction of the Director of Mental Health Services, is accountable and responsible for the psychiatric nursing care of patients within the department, guided by policies and procedures of the hospital.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Mental Health Registered Nurse is expected to provide a safe environment and will protect the patient from untoward events and works as part of Nursing Services:

Safety:

• If seclusion or restraint is necessary for patient safety the Registered Nurse will be able to apply restraints and or place the patient in seclusion as per hospital policy.
• Observes patient for any symptoms or signs of intolerance to medications administered. Reports any Adverse Drug Reactions to the Pharmacy as developed through policy and procedure.
• The nurse will ensure that each patient is wearing the correct hospital name band so a patient can be positively identified according to hospital policy prior to initiating treatment, medications and procedures.
• Face- to- face assessment and documentation of patients in restraints and seclusion within one hour.
• Provides nursing interventions to meet the physical and emotional needs of the patient while acting as a role model through active participation in direct patient care to different patient populations, including adults in an open unit and/or locked unit setting.

Quality OF Care

• Completes Firearm assessment and advisement on patients during admission.

• Hand off shift –to-shift report
• Suicide Risk Assessment
• Able to lead different group sessions.
• Discharge planning
• The nurse ensures that quality of care activities incorporate the patient and family’s perspective as appropriate.
• Performance Improvement
• Provides patient education on a routine basis, documenting any and all patient teaching on established hospital form(s).
• Appropriate documentation in HED
• Participates actively in Performance Improvement Teams/Committees in the department.
• Assesses patients from the Emergency Department for possible admission to the MH Department. Completes required paperwork when documenting such assessment.
• Evidence based practice
• Reviews and updates plan of care on patients in the department. Documents this review and any revisions in the patient's medical record.
• The nurse takes action to achieve performance goals.
• 24 hour chart check
• All part-time and full time Mental Health Nurses must become LPS certified as soon as eligible to take the LA County examination. Per Diem Mental Health Nurses are encouraged to take the examination.
• Provides assessments and evaluation throughout the hospital as needed.
• The nurses use the results of quality of care activities to initiate changes in nursing practice and the healthcare delivery systems as appropriate.
• Each nurse participates in the management of the patient by ensuring the following is completed each shift;

Individual Practice Evaluation:

The nurse practice reflects knowledge of current professional standards, laws, and regulations.

• The nurse evaluates his or her own nursing practice in relation to the professional practice standards and relevant statutes and regulations.
• The nurse engages in a self-assessment and/or a formal performance appraisal on a regular basis, identifying areas of strength as well as areas where professional development would be beneficial.
• The nurse seeks and reflects on constructive feedback from the team consisting of patient, family and other healthcare providers regarding his or her own practice.
• The nurse takes action to achieve performance goals.

Collegiality

The nurse caring for mental health patients interacts with and contributes to the professional development of peers and other healthcare provider as colleagues.

• The nurse shares knowledge, skills, and experiences with colleagues.
• The nurse interacts with colleagues to enhance his or her own professional nursing practice.
• The nurse contributes to learning environment that is conducive to healthcare education.
• The nurse provides peers and other healthcare providers with constructive feedback regarding their practice, as appropriate to their level of expertise. This feedback must be provided in a respectful manner to enhance learning.

The nurse contributes to an effective team environment by working with others in a way that promotes and encourages each person’s contribution.

Ethics:

The nurse’s decisions and actions on behalf of mental health patients are conducted in an ethical manner.

• The nurse maintains patient confidentiality within legal and regulatory parameters.
• The nurses’ practice is guided by the ANA’s Code of Ethics for Nurses, ASMSN’s Ethics of Care, and ethical principles.
• The nurse uses available resources in formulating ethical decisions.
• The nurse delivers care in a manner that meets the diverse needs and strengths of the patient and preserves patient autonomy, dignity, and rights.
• The nurse acts as a patient advocate and assists others in developing skills to advocate for themselves.
• The nurse delivers care in a nonjudgmental and nondiscriminatory manner that is sensitive to patient diversity.

Collaboration:

The nurse caring for mental health patients collaborates with the team, consisting of patient, family, and healthcare providers, in providing patient care in a healing, humane, and caring environment.

• The nurse communicates with the team (including the patient and/or family) regarding patient care and the nurse’s role in providing care.
• The nurse consults with other healthcare providers and initiates referrals as appropriate to promote continuity of care.
• The nurse collaborates with the team to formulate the plan of care and to make decisions related to the care and delivery of services.

Research:

• The nurse continually questions and evaluates practice and utilizes best available evidence or research findings to develop appropriate plans of care.
• The nurse participates in activities to support clinical inquiry appropriate to the nurse’s level of expertise.

Resource Utilization

• The nurse assigns or delegates aspects of care as defined by the California Nurse Practice Act.
• The nurse assists the patient and family in identifying and securing appropriate and available services to address health-related needs.
• The nurse evaluates factors related to safety, effectiveness, availability, and expense when choosing between two or more practice options that would result in the same expected outcome.

• Knowledge of the legal aspects of psychiatric/mental health nursing.
• Refers all compliments and/or complaints in writing to the Director of Mental Health Services, or designee, in a timely manner.
• Responsible for adequate staffing of the department, following the Staffing Plan of the department.
• Interacts with medical staff on a professional level and troubleshoots for staff, acting as a resource.
• Display a willingness to work as a team player
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Compliance & Integrity Program and its requirements; complies with duty to report behavior standard; demonstrates understanding of purpose for a Compliance hotline and the importance of seeking guidance from a supervisor or the Compliance Officer when in doubt regarding a possible compliance issue
• Restraint Certification within 6 months of hire date; recertification annually.
• Ability to adhere with AVH Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy
• Maintains and completes the patient acuity/staffing variance report for shift.
• Ability to adhere to safety rules and regulations
• Restraint Certification within 6 months of hire date; recertification annually.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient, hospital and department information
• Other duties as assigned
• Assists with reassessments of patients.
• Assesses patients from the Emergency Department for possible admission to the department. Completes required paperwork when documenting such assessment.
• Ability to adhere with AVH Recording of Hours Worked Policy
• Ability to adhere with AVH Absenteeism and Tardiness Policy
• Speaks with patients and family/visitors about their satisfaction with their care.
• Ability to interpret and function under hospital and department policies and procedures
• Designation to write involuntary detentions (5150s) after initiation period; re-designation every three (3) years according to County of Los Angeles Department of Mental Health rules/standards.
• Obtains a Family Questionnaire from patients' families/visitors on an as needed basis.
• Skill and ability to follow the telephone etiquette/standards
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification within 6 months of hire date; recertification annually.
• Ability to organize work and establish priorities
• Meets all the skills and abilities of a Registered Nurse for Nursing Services
• Ability to adhere to the normal standards of courtesy and conduct as defined under the rules of hospitality at AVH
• Minimum of three (3) years recent experience in an inpatient mental health work setting preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years recent experience in an inpatient mental health work setting preferred.
• Meets all required licensure and certification(s) of a Registered Nurse.
• Supervises proper use of supplies, time and equipment.
• Assists in orienting new employees.
• Assures that the staff is following the program schedules for the unit. Assures that the unit is functioning well and in an efficient manner.
• Supports and adheres to the values and mission statement established by the AVH Board of Directors
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification within 6 months of hire date; recertification annually.
• Maintains adequate staffing for own shift as well as oncoming shift. Follows department Staffing Plan.
• Ability to follow the Code of Business Conduct (Standards of Business Ethics and Integrity)
• Ability to give and support the highest level of patient/customer satisfaction at all times
• Conforms with required and appropriate Joint Commission requirements
• Ability to function effectively under pressure and meet time parameters
• Ability to adhere with AVH Leaves of Absence Policy
• Safely and effectively uses all equipment necessary to carry out duties
• Ability to adhere to the department dress code
• Knows about all admissions, transfers and discharges that are occurring, or will be, during the shift. Completes necessary transfer paperwork and duties when necessary.
• Submits a written report via the e-mail system to the Director of Mental Health Services at the end of one’s shift.
• Provides leadership, planning and supervision of the care given by other staff members.
• Meets all required education and experience necessary for Registered Nurse.
• Meets all required education and experience necessary for Registered Nurse.
• Conforms to AVH Standards of Excellence
• Biannual CPR Certification in Basic Cardiopulmonary Life Support
• Ability to communicate effectively while maintaining good working relationships with co-workers, managers and other hospital staff
• Meets all required licensure and certification(s) of a Registered Nurse.
• Ability to participate effectively in department and hospital staff education
• The nurse assists the patient and family in becoming informed consumers about costs, risks, and benefits of treatment and care.
• ADN, BSN preferred
• Makes appropriate staff assignments for shift by utilizing pre-printed assignment sheet.
• The nurse assigns or delegates aspects of care, the decision is based upon an assessment of the needs and condition of the patient, the potential for harm, the stability of the patient’s condition, the predictability of the outcome, and the competencies of the healthcare provider.
• Conforms with and supports hospital quality assurance and improvement guidelines
• Designation to write involuntary detentions (5150s) after initiation period; re-designation every three (3) years according to County of Los Angeles Department of Mental Health rules/standards.
• Ability to write 5150 applications for involuntary detention (full-time and part-time RNs as required by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health).
• Ability to expand on own initiative in performance of duties
• Ability to countersign 14 day and 30 day holds. (part-time/full time RN)
• Biannual CPR Certification in Basic Cardiopulmonary Life Support