Staff Nurse

at  Skagit Regional Health

FTE: 0.000001

Base Wage $35.82 to $66.24
Location: Skagit Valley Hospital
The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Other information:

JOB SUMMARY

The Psychiatric Staff Nurse is responsible for delivering comprehensive care to patients utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation and evaluation. This nurse must be able to assess the milieu and collaborate closely with others on the healthcare team in order to facilitate a healing environment within a mental health unit. This role requires an individual who possess the ability to handle emergency situations in a prompt, precise, and professional manner. The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay. All Skagit Regional Health facilities follow SRH’s standard employment policy regarding background checks, which may vary depending on the nature of the position. WAC 246.341.0420(17)(a)

EDUCATION

Current RN licensure required. BSN preferred. Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Certification (ANCC or equivalent) preferred after three years of practice. Knowledge of fundamentals of nursing practice and psychiatric nursing. Knowledge of less restrictive treatment options within the community.

EXPERIENCE/TRAINING

Registered nurse with a minimum of two years recent psychiatric nursing experience preferred for FTE positions.

OTHER SKILLS

Demonstrates ability and appropriate technical skills when administering treatments and procedures in accordance with physician’s orders and policies and procedures. Demonstrates necessary skills and knowledge to provide care for patients according to SVH and unit specific policies and procedures. Provides direct patient care to the patient, acknowledging physiological and psychological needs. Demonstrates strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills required.

Assesses the patient on admission; collects and documents the patient’s current health status and medical history. Completes and/or reviews Nursing Admission Assessment as defined by policy. Conducts medication reconciliation upon admit. Makes accurate and ongoing assessment of patient’s status and responds appropriately. Assists Counselors with transfers to Western State Hospital as requested. Coordinates patient intake process/decision with Group Coordinator, Psychiatrist and/or unit Manager for day shift admissions. Final decision to admit resting with the psychiatrist and/or unit Manager. Evaluates; performs ongoing assessment and revises plan of care based on new data and patient’s condition. Communicates with the physician regarding patient needs, the nursing assessments, and recommendations on a daily basis, and as needed. Collaborates with other nurses and health team members to ensure the patient’s plan of care progression. Provides patient/family education regarding plan of care and provides written and visual informational material. Provides direct patient care, utilizing established policies, procedures and standards. Administers all medications according to policy and procedure. Observes and documents patient’s response to medications given. Follows all policies/procedures around seclusion/restraint and in compliance with regulatory guidelines. Provides a thorough, concise hand off report at change of shift; communicating pertinent information to appropriate team members in a timely manner. Performs accurate and timely documentation according to SRH guidelines. Accurately transcribes physician orders according to policies and procedures. Maintains a clean, neat, and safe environment for patients and staff according to policies and procedures. Ensures that supplies and equipment necessary for patient care are stored in an organized and efficient manner. Demonstrates correct and safe techniques in the use of equipment according to specific product information. Follows appropriate procedures for obtaining and returning or cleaning/disposing of equipment and supplies. Participates in economical utilization of supplies and ensures that equipment is maintained in a clean and safe manner. Complies with specific SRH policies and procedures concerning departmental safety practices. Performs and documents daily vital signs; or designates to Mental Health Assistant. Recognizes the need for variations in staffing and offers to fill open shifts, demonstrating flexibility to perform duties when volume deems it necessary to ensure seamless patient care. Plans/Implements care plan; sets priorities for nursing action in a logical sequence according to patient’s needs and formulates a plan of care appropriate to the patient needs. Demonstrates competency with hands on violent restraints. Utilize the mandatory MOAB training to recognize, reduce, and manage violent and aggressive behaviors by patients (this includes going hands on during code situations). PATIENT SATISFACTION - Assists patients, family members or other clients with concern and empathy; respects their confidentiality and privacy and communicates with them in a courteous and respectful manner. Answers and refers telephone calls or other inquires to ensure accurate and timely communications are facilitated. Identifies him/herself in a pleasant and positive manner. Takes responsibility for helping the caller and/or visitor. TEAMWORK - Assists in the orientation/training of new Team Members. Consistently works in a positive and cooperative manner with fellow Team Members, both within the unit and throughout the organization. Assists other Team Members in the performance of their assignments. Seeks out opportunities to help rather than waiting to be asked. Considers the impact of his/her actions on Team Members throughout SVH. Recognizes the need for variations in staffing and volunteers to fill open shifts, whenever possible. Takes direction and initiates actions (cross/additional training) that will allow the assumption of cross-functional duties to ensure seamless patient care. Demonstrates flexibility to perform duties wherever volume deems it necessary within SVH. PROBLEM SOLVING - Demonstrates sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns. Investigates and follows through on unusual orders or requests for service or information. Follows proper reporting procedures for actual or potential accidents and/or incidents so follow-up and/or prevention can occur. Records/reports the need for service maintenance or repair of equipment and removes any faulty equipment from service. Contributes to the achievement of Quality Improvement and participate in QI activities. Consistently evaluates work and determines if further steps are needed to meet client expectations. Takes initiative to do or redo inadequate or incomplete work, even if it is not yours. Ensures compliance with regulatory standards. PRODUCTIVITY/EFFICIENCY - Consistently demonstrates the ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, such as reprioritizing work as necessary. Minimizes non-productive time and fills slow periods with activities that will enable you to prepare to meet the future needs of SVH (education, organizing, housekeeping, assisting others). Organizes job functions and work area to be able to effectively complete varied assignments within established time frames. Consistently demonstrates the ability to take the initiative to make decisions/choices without direct supervision. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT - Attends required annual in-service programs. Complete MOAB and Restraint Training annually. New hires need to complete this training within the first 90 days of hire. Participates in continuing education activities and obtains required contact hours. Meets 100% attendance requirement to annual mandatory skill updates. Attends a minimum of 75% of scheduled staff meetings and reads and signs all minutes of meetings not attended. ADHERENCE TO SVH AND DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES - Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures and ability to reference them from appropriate sources. Complies with SVH’s infection control policies and procedures including Body Substance Isolation (BSI) and the Exposure Control Plan which reflects OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to ensure a safe working environment for self and others. Ensures that SVH is operated in an efficient and cost effective manner by adhering to SVH and departmental attendance policies as documented on the Employee Attendance Record. Demonstrates adherence and support of SVH-Wide Service Standards and SVH/Department Safe Practices Standards. Demonstrates the SRH Service Standards in all interactions. Works with Psychiatric patients in the Mental Health Center and the Emergency Department. Performs other duties as assigned by Manager or Designee.