Staff Nurse, RN/LPN

Description

The Staff Nurse is responsible for providing patient care in the most efficient, effective and safe manner and ensures that all methods of practice and/or work performance conforms to established policies and procedures.

• Demonstrates clinical understanding of both drug and alcohol toxicity, consistently and correctly identifies patients in states of detoxification; consistently and correctly identifies signs of withdrawal, demonstrates skill in detecting drug side effects and/or interactions.

• Completes the admission assessment; identifies and prioritizes needs of the addicted patient within eight hours of admission.

• Performs routine nursing functions necessary at the nurses station.

• Transcribes physician orders.

• Administers medications and orders patient medications as needed.

• Observes patients and writes progress notes.

• Processes unit admissions and discharges.

• Maintains accurate log, completes all paperwork and updates 24 hour report.

• Participates in continuing care planning process.

• Completes medication checks during third shift.

• Reports pertinent data to staff on the following shift.

• Serves on various committees as assigned.

• Attends nursing meetings on a monthly basis.

• Observes and records patient behaviors and reports pertinent information to proper personnel.

• Assists with fire and disaster drills.

• Reports faulty equipment to proper personnel.

• Actions demonstrate thorough knowledge of patients’ diagnosis and treatment objectives.

• Demonstrates follow-through with prescribed treatment and/or issues outlined in treatment plan.

• Communicates accurate information to oncoming shift and effectively and consistently gives change of shirt report.

• Actively and cooperatively participates and/or has input into development of interdisciplinary process.

• Works with detox counselor and/or admissions department to assess and contact payor to obtain approval for level of care as needed.

• Assists with orientation of new employees, conveys accurate information in a supportive and courteous manner

• Attends and/or actively seeks out educational opportunities.

• Demonstrates proper communication protocols and follows procedure which supports department and facility staff guidelines.

• Prioritizes and manages time, organizes work so that critical assignments are completed promptly, accurately and thoroughly.

• Demonstrates an understanding of how own appearance and demeanor affects the milieu and the care and progress of patients.

• Follows infection control policies and procedures.

• Demonstrates strong communication skills to enhance work with other departments as well as referral sources and/or payor source.

• Initiates and participates in coordination of care with members of the multidisciplinary chemical dependency treatment team.

• Demonstrates knowledge of diverse nursing procedures to treat the chemically dependent person and takes a leadership role to provide safe, innovative patient care.

• Provides individual and group patient education on chemical dependency as assigned.

• Shares new knowledge on chemical dependency with colleagues to enhance professional growth and development.

• Shares clinical expertise with professional and supportive nursing personnel.

• Conforms to establish State Nurse practice Act, departmental and facility policies and procedures.

• Performs other related duties as may be required or as assigned.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with a current licensure as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

• Previous experience in chemical dependency nursing and/or psychiatric nursing with medical-surgical experience preferred.

• Valid C.P.R. certification.