Crisis Nurse

Positions located in both Cleveland and Gaston counties.

General Position Description Under general supervision, provides professional psychiatric nursing care to acutely and chronically ill mental health, substance abuse and developmentally disabled consumers within a 24/7/365 crisis unit.

A crisis nurse performs the full range of psychiatric nursing duties.

Work assignments require a thorough knowledge of behavioral health practices and procedures, laws and regulations, the ability to work independently Performance Expectations and Competencies 1.

Will demonstrate the use of appropriate knowledge/skill/judgment to provide nursing care, examples of work performed include but not limited to: a.

Observes assigned consumers on a daily basis to identify, interpret, and document physical and emotional status and/or patterns, such as assaultive or suicidal behavior, and response to treatment or medication; as part of a multi-disciplinary team, assists in formulating a diagnosis and developing and implementing individualized consumer treatment plans based on observations; provides crisis intervention to those individuals experiencing acute episodes.

b.

Participates in or leads individual or group counseling sessions, family conferences, and recreational and social therapy sessions to assist consumers in understanding the nature of emotional and physical problems, to accept the need for treatment, and to address issues such as communicable disease and family planning; participates in departmental and team meetings to discuss consumer care and progress, shift activity, and program policies and procedures.

c.

Accurately take and administer physician/NP orders.

Administers psychotropic medications to consumers, monitors use, calling in medication orders to pharmacies, and documents reactions; instructs consumers on the purpose, dosage, and side effects of medication, and explains the legal process related to the consumer's refusal to take prescribed medication.

d.

Obtains medical, psychiatric, social, and family histories of new admissions; takes and records vital signs; obtains lab specimens; assists physicians with exams; schedules and arranges for special tests; develops discharge plans; maintains timely and accurate charts and logs; monitors supplies; and may draw blood.

e.

Aids consumers in obtaining proper medical care, after release or during hospitalization, by identifying community agencies and resources to assist consumers with stabilization while living in the community; interacts with private medical facilities, courts, and county and State agencies to express concerns of the consumer and to discuss treatment; testifies in court as to the consumer's mental and physical condition 2.

Shall attend assigned training and continuing education to maintain credentialing and privileging, to include, but not limited to: Credentialing as a Registered Nurse or LPN As required by NC Division of MH/DD/SA service definition and PCC Training Policy/Procedur...