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Responsibilities
Nurses in the residential setting are responsible for administering medications, reviewing MARs to ensure medication management, deescalating or resolving crisis situations, and compliance with the Nurse Delegation Program.
Knowledge of psychiatric disorders in the adult population
Knowledge of general and psychiatric nursing care
Basic knowledge of medical terminology associated with adult psychiatric care
Familiarity of psychopharmacology and the use of psychotropic medications with the adult population
Knowledge of behavior management, crisis intervention and, interventions common to acute psychotic consumers as well as to non-violent crisis intervention practices
Knowledge of educational methods appropriate to adults with severe and persistent psychiatric disorders
Knowledge of cultural diversity
Successful completion of Medication Assistance Supervision (MAS)
Knowledge of DMH/NDP program standards
Knowledge of utilizing electronic health record
Physical Requirements of the Job:
There is frequent standing while getting files, paperwork, and handing out medication.
Sitting is frequent by nature and up to 5-10 minutes; however, extended sitting could be up to 1.5 to 3 hours for documentation.
Walking various distances on grounds can be frequent and up to 300 feet to dispense medication.
Squatting and/or lunging frequently to stock supplies and retrieve needed material from file cabinets and book shelves.
Strong grasp is needed to handle large carts while retrieving consumer files from the Zeigler Outpatient building and lighter grasp is needed for stocking supplies which requires a force exertion of up to 10 pounds.
Fine manipulation for writing, handling paperwork, and dispensing medications to consumers.
Pushing and/or pulling force up to 1-5 pounds force, horizontally, to open file cabinets and place binders on book shelves.
Lifting various ranges from the floor to overhead with weights up to 1-5 pounds frequently.
Must lift 40-50lbs floor to waist occasionally to frequent.
Any other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Primary Job Functions:
Clinical Responsibilities:
Administers medications, observing the Seven Rights of medication administration and monitors consumers for potential side effects of medications and report findings to the physician.
Provides medication education for the consumer and family, including uses and potential side effects.
Reviews MAR daily to ensure appropriate medication management which includes timely refills and any necessary arrangements with medical staff for new prescriptions.
Identifies psychiatric and medical needs of consumers and communicates effectively with the physicians to include taking off any orders and completing consults.
Observes consumers behavior in groups and activities, interacts with consumers and evaluate needs to ensure that proper information is reported from shift to shift
Interfaces with the multi-disciplinary team and actively and cooperatively participates in development of the interdisciplinary treatment plan
Monitors laboratory results and reports all abnormal findings to the physician
Demonstrates the ability to recognize the elements of a crisis state and knows how to deescalate or resolve the situation, including providing emergency care as needed (CPR, MindSet, PRN medications)
Conducts infection control training for consumers
Ongoing compliance with the Nurse Delegation Program, including recertification requirements, including taking MAS calls
Assists consumers with personal care issues (bathing, toileting, and other personal hygiene issues)
Performs monthly MARs verifications and 24 hour chart checks.
Conducts individual and group PHP trainings, activities, and education.
Supervision and Consultation:
Seeks clinical supervision and consultation needs
Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement
Actively works to enhance clinical skills
Attends regularly scheduled staff meetings
Clinical Record Keeping:
Documents in a timely fashion per AltaPointe policy
Documents in a clear, concise manner all nursing services provided to the consumer and general observations
Documentation shows that forms, logs, and other applicable written information are completed accurately and updated when appropriate
Courteous and respectful attitudes towards consumers, visitors and co-workers:
Treats consumers with care, dignity and compassion
Respects consumer’s privacy and confidentiality
Is pleasant and cooperative with others
Assists consumers and visitors as needed
Personal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for others
Is sensitive to the consumer’s needs, expectations and individual differences
Is gentle and calm with consumers and families
Administrative and Other related duties as Assigned:
Actively participates in Performance Improvement activities
Actively participates in AltaPointe committees as required
Completes assigned tasks in a timely manner
Accesses appropriate community resources according to consumer needs
Follows AltaPointe Policy & Procedures
Maintains current State license and requirements for renewals (i.e. CEU’s), and attends the required in-services and workshops
Qualifications
Must be a current LPN in the state of Alabama.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
