A registered professional nurse is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential health problems through such services as case finding, health teaching, and health counseling; nurses provide interventions supportive to or restorative of life and well-being; and execute medical regimens prescribed by a physician, dentist or other licensed health care provider. As part of the multi-disciplinary treatment team, conducts psychiatric assessments, assessing physical health needs, makes appropriate referrals to community physicians, provides management and administration of medication in conjunction with the psychiatrist and provides a range of treatment, rehabilitation and support services.
Based on a comprehensive review of the client's overall condition, prepares, continually reviews and evaluates plans of nursing intervention to ensure that such interventions are consistent with the client's comprehensive treatment plan. Ensures that plans of nursing intervention include consideration of the client's cultural and ethnic background, customs, needs, beliefs, and primary language.
Develops nursing assessment to reflect holistic needs of each client with consideration of his/her psychological, physiological, social, ethnic, cultural, educational and spiritual strengths and needs.
Oversees the direct implementation of nursing care to ensure that it is carried out in accordance with the plan of nursing intervention and overall treatment/service plan and to ascertain if the needs of the client require modification of the plan.
Participates at team meetings and provides nursing input on the development and implementation of treatment/service plans.
Coordinates nursing care activities with other professional disciplines to ensure that the nursing plan is consistent with and integrated with the total treatment/service plan.
Provides information to other clinical staff on nursing standards of practice and procedures.
Provides advice and consultation on nursing related matters to other staff and administrators.
Provides health education/teaching for clients and their families.
Participates in team and administrative meetings.
Manages medical supplies and equipment.
Accesses medications and observe and records effects and side effects.
Provides information and conducts lectures and group discussions on various health topics, such as: the effects and side effects of medications, well-being, coping skills, dealing with anxiety, anger, self-destructive behavior, manipulation, noncompliance, etc.
Gives lectures and participates in community activities as a mental health advocate.
Participates in professional activities to improve personal skills and knowledge.
License and current registration to practice as a registered professional nurse in New York State; prefer at least one year post RN licensure clinical nursing experience working with individuals with mental disabilities.