The Registered Nurse is responsible for delivering quality general and psychiatric nursing care to patients with emotional or psychiatric disorders; serves actively and constructively as a member of the multi-disciplinary treatment team, supporting the organization and program philosophy of care; ensuring the safety and well-being of each patient. The Registered Nurse:

• Assesses new patients within 24 hours of admission through a systematic process of interaction with the patient, their significant others or families, and the appropriate health care providers.
• Collects and analyzes data regarding the patient's physical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, educational, and anticipated discharge planning needs and responds to needs assessment calls when necessary.
• Develops a comprehensive outline of care and updates master treatment plans, special programs, and problem sheets.
• Assists in developing goals and interventions; gathering relevant data and communicating it to the treatment team.
• Establishes effective discharge plans, individualized and relevant to the needs of patients and significant others.
• Maintains effective communication with all units and departments.
• Maintains designated lines of authority and supervises direct patient care as required.
• Participates in implementing and managing the therapeutic system and other applicable facets of behaviorally-oriented treatment programs.
• Implements crisis prevention and intervention procedures as required.
• Follows correct protocols for crisis management and demonstrates skills in defusing potentially combative or aggressive behaviors; distinguishes correctly between psychotic behavior and self-control problems, manipulation, or rebellious behaviors.
• Demonstrates sound knowledge of psychotropic medications and other medications commonly used with psychiatric patients.
• Ensures that orders of seclusions & restraints are promptly and correctly followed.
• Ensures that rounds and interval checks are properly made and documented and that problems are reported in a timely manner.
• Assists in the selection and orientation of qualified personnel to provide optimum patient care.
• Participates in in-service programs and takes a leadership role in maintaining therapeutic milieu.
• Provides guidelines/direction to staff regarding care required; provides structure to the units by ensuring program schedules are implemented.
• Provides feedback for 90 day and annual performance evaluations for MHS staff.
• Assures that all psychiatric mental health standards are being met.
• Attends mandatory monthly nurse meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.