Responsibilities

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 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
• 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.

Primary Job Functions:

• Coordinates and implements nursing care for residents of Adult Residential Services.
• Completes the assessment/admission process for individuals including: Nursing assessment and care, Medical Checklist/Physical Health/Nutritional screening, Chartmeds/MAR, AIMS, TB skin testing, vital signs, and other assessments as applicable for residents of designated programs
• Documents acute health changes in the medical record to provide a clear picture of the course of illness or injury
• Creates nursing care plans based on residents' identified needs
• Evaluates and updates nursing care plans at frequent intervals as indicated or based on changes in residents' status.
• Observes residents behavior, interacts with residents, and evaluates needs to ensure that proper information is reported to treatment team.
• Identifies psychiatric and medical needs and communicates effectively with providers to include completion of medical consultations and reconciling any orders.
• Scheduling medical/dental/vision appointments for residents of designated programs
• Send requests for medication refills to appropriate community providers for residents of designated programs
• Interfaces with the multi-disciplinary treatment team and actively and cooperatively participates in development of the treatment plan
• Monitors laboratory results and performs CLIA waived testing as applicable, and reports findings to the Provider
• Ensures medical supplies are available and stocked for designated programs
• Manages incident files in RL for designated programs to ensure policy and protocol is followed.
• 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).
• Ongoing compliance with Nurse Delegation Program, including recertification requirements, taking MAS call, and conducting MAC worker check off and remediation.
• Any other duties as assigned by supervisor.

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 nursing services provided to the resident and general observations
• Documentation shows that forms, logs, and other applicable written information are completed accurately and updated when appropriate
• Maintains productivity standard for services provided

Courteous and respectful attitudes towards residents, visitors and co-workers:

• Treats residents with care, dignity and compassion
• Respects residents privacy and confidentiality
• Is pleasant and cooperative with others
• Assists residents and visitors as needed
• Personal values don't inhibit ability to relate and care for others
• Is sensitive to the residents' needs, expectations an individual differences
• Is gentle and calm with residents 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 residents' needs
• Complies with AltaPointe Policy & Procedures in a timely manner
• Maintains current state license and requirements for renewals (i.e. CEU's), and attends the required in-services and workshops

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Possesses current RN license to practice in the state of Alabama. Effectively demonstrates the application of adult specific competencies, outlined below, to be attained within six (6) months of employment:

• 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 residents as well as to non-violent crisis intervention practice
• 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