PT 12 HRS/WEEK, FLEXIBLE HRS

Under general supervision, provides professional psychiatric nursing care to acutely and chronically ill clients in a residential setting; and performs other related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Nursing Services:                                                                                                     

1. Observes assigned clients on a routine basis to identify, interpret, and document physical and emotional status and/or patterns, such as assaultive or suicidal behavior, and response to treatment or medication; as part of a multi-disciplinary teams, assists in formulating diagnosis and developing and implementing individualized client treatment plans based on observations; provides crisis interventions to those individuals experiencing acute episodes.

1. Administer psychotropic medications to clients, monitors use, and document reactions.

1. Reviews medical, psychiatric, social, and family histories of clients; takes and records vital signs; develops discharge plans; maintains client’s medication charts and logs and monitors medical supplies.   

Communication:                                                                                                        

1. Communicate/educate the clients about their medication regarding side effects, the importance of taking it, etc., and provide information on other health/nutritional issues as needed. 

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

·        Maintains a clean, neat, and safe work area

·        Works cooperatively with all staff members of the department

·        Participates in departmental staff meetings and required trainings

·        Performs other duties as requested

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  None

QUALIFICATIONS:

·          Education/Licensure - Incumbent must possess a valid Registered Nurse license issued by the State of Ohio Board of Nursing with a specialization in psychiatric nursing. 

·          Experience – 3-5 years experience working in an acute psychiatric care or outpatient mental health facility.

·          Core Competencies:

Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to psychiatric nursing; the various methods; techniques; and procedures used in psychiatric nursing; the uses and effects of psychotropic drugs and narcotics; client safety practices and facility security; symptoms and behavior patterns of emotional disturbed and mental ill clients; theories, principles, and techniques of group and individual psychotherapy; mental health community resources and services; the principles, and laws if professional nursing; health education; common illnesses, diseases, disabilities, injuries, and nutrition.

Ability to explain mental health laws and regulations; observe emotional and physical behavior; evaluate and assess the need for mental health services; analyze a situation and adopt a course of action; prepare and maintain medical records and reports; recognize ad respect limits of confidential information; communicate with people of diverse socioeconomic and ethnic origins; speak before groups; exercise independent judgment in medical emergencies, demonstrate tact, diplomacy, patience, and compassion; establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, other agencies, and other organizations; comply with nursing policies, protocols, and program regulations; understand and follow oral and written instructions; work independently. 

·          Language Skills:  Excellent written and verbal communication skills and abilities.  The ability to professionally represent Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio, homeless veterans, and effectively interact with multi-cultural and diverse community populations.

·          Certification or Licensure:  A valid Ohio Driver's License is required in addition to a driving record that is in compliance with Volunteers of America.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES SPECIFICATIONS:

·          Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, and reach with hands and arms.

The employee frequently lifts and/or moves up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

·          Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Incumbent works directly with the homeless transitional population, which may provide some exposure to violent and / or unruly, acts by program participants.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee may travel by automobile and is exposed to changing weather conditions.