Registered Nurse - Inpatient Mental Health

The Unit :

Our 16-bed inpatient mental health unit provides care to patients 18 and older under the direction of a staff psychiatrist. Our experienced mental health team provides short-term inpatient psychiatric services that treat many of the psychiatric conditions that come through Saratoga Hospital's emergency department, including depression and suicidal thoughts, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and other conditions that may lead to patients being in danger of harming themselves or others. Following a thorough assessment by a psychiatrist, certified social worker, and registered nurse, patients receive comprehensive care in a safe, therapeutic setting dedicated to helping the patient transition home with a stable support network.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES :

Patient Assessments : Incorporates appropriate assessment and intervention skills that are age specific in all interactions and delivery of nursing care. Assesses patients' physical / psycho-social status. Analyzes relevant data. Integrates assessment results in care planning, goals and outcomes. Provides for therapeutic interventions based on the continued assessment, prescribed orders and input from other care providers. Provides for adequate pain management and administers medications according to critical elements. Provides for patient / colleague / self-safety and protection.

Communication : Communicates with patients, colleagues, providers, and management in an accurate, considerate, and timely manner. Applies patient specific communication skills in interactions that are culturally sensitive & appropriate to age. Language barriers and sensory & cognitive deficit are accommodated. Provides report that is pertinent, concise using SBAR. Documents in a complete, timely and concise manner.

Problem Solving : Employs critical thinking skills to achieve outcomes and solve problems. Practices within limits of experience / capability. Collects and integrates data from multi sources and seeks assistance / information appropriately. Analyzes data critically in order to support clinical decision making. Displays an ability to solve problems, reason and learn utilizing evidenced based practice.

Caring Relationships : Engages in caring relationships that integrate the influence of the human experience of health, illness, and / or healing. Relationship based care is fostered with patients, their families and co-worker to create a caring and healing environment where pts / their families are the center of caring processes. Initiates non-task related introduction, converses at eye level when able, uses touch as appropriate, keeps patients / families informed, involves patients / families in decision making, anticipate needs, responds to concerns in a timely manner, rounds frequently on the 3 P's when applicable. Protects patient autonomy, dignity and rights. Advocates for patients / families including obtaining advanced directives when applicable. Expedites discharges per guidelines.

Time Management : Manages own work and material resources effectively. Delivers organized care by prioritizing care needs and tasks effectively. Positively adapts to changes in patients condition, assignment and expectations. Maintains clean, orderly environment of care.

Leadership : Applies leadership skills consistent with role and experience. Delegates and / or assigns care that is consistent with role, scope of practice, and abilities of recipient. Provides feedback pertinent to the situation that is positive and / or provides co-workers educational opportunities. Co-ordinates care within the multi-disciplinary team. Manages conflict in capable, effective manner. Actively participates and promotes professional practice by participating on committees, councils, policy development, or professional organizations.

Teaching : Incorporates teaching in delivery of care to promote health and prevent disease. Provides information to patient / family with consideration for individual needs. Assess for barriers to learning and motivation. Teaches patient / family to safely take and monitor effects of medications. Prepares a patient / family for prescribed treatment / procedure / discharge. Consults multi-disciplinary team as appropriate to enhance patient / family education. Provides counseling for health behaviors.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Candidates with an Associate Degree in Nursing will be considered provided they complete Bachelor of Science in Nursing within four years of date of hire. Experience in mental health preferred.

Compensation may vary based upon, but not limited to : overall experience and qualifications, shift, and location.

Salary Range : $32 - $53.81

Pay Grade : N10