Location: Fairfield, Iowa
Serving customers in Fairfield, Washington, and Iowa City
Full time
EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE
- Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing and an active license recognized by the state of Iowa to practice as a Registered Nurse.
- Minimum of 1 (one) year current psychiatric/mental health experience is preferred.
- Must be able to pass a background check.
- Must have a valid Iowa driver’s license and valid vehicle insurance.
- Must be competent with computers in order to effectively manage the electronic health records system, e-scribing, and administrative duties.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing. Ability to practice nursing with respect for individual, cultural, and spiritual differences and to maintain compassion for people who are struggling with their mental health.
JOB SUMMARY
The Registered Nurse is a health care professional that performs direct patient care and/or programming under the supervision of a Regional Clinical Director or Director of Nursing. They may administer medication according to the policies of the assigned program. The RN must possess a comprehensive knowledge of general nursing, theory, and practice, including basic knowledge related to nursing such as medications, biological, physical, social, and medical sciences and their application for a better understanding of customer-care problems. The RN assists in maintaining a physical, social, and psychological environment which will be conducive to the best interest and welfare of the customers. Under the supervision of the Regional Clinical Director provides assistance to the Psychiatrist or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and exemplifies the Mission, Core Values, and Ethics of Optimae LifeServices.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assumes responsibility and accountability for the practice of professional nursing in accordance with the State Nurse Practice Acts and maintains licensure throughout employment.
- Consistently demonstrates competency with technical nursing skills according to personal and legal scope of practices.
- Administers psychiatric injections when necessary.
- Provides competent patient and family education on medications and other mental health matters.
- Adheres to HIPAA regulations when communicating with other people and organizations.
- Be a part of a professional team to promote and improve mental health and well-being of each patient with open communication and respect for all.
- Maintain professional appearance and work ethics.
- Communicates effectively to:
- Inform prescribers and other service providers of significant changes in their clients’ mental health or safety in a timely manner.
- Provide education to patients and their friends/family members about medications, building good habits, and options for treatment.
- Properly document all patient interactions above a simple refill request in the electronic health records system.
- Maintain, monitor, track, and secure medications; only dispense sample medications when directed by a prescriber; dispose of medications according to local laws and regulations; and maintain a working knowledge of injections and other dispensing instructions for patient safety.
- Maintain open communication with pharmaceutical representatives for medication instructions, changes, samples, and informative in-services when needed.
- Call in/fax prescription refills to pharmacies; utilize the E-scripting system to relay prescriptions; obtain written, signed prescriptions from Psychiatrist/ARNP to hand deliver to clients; complete, submit, and follow up on prior authorizations for medications; and handle other patient documentation as needed.
- Attend monthly meetings with clinical staff and stay up to date with changes within the program.
- Adapt to the needs of the program by demonstrating flexibility/adaptability.
- Maintain a safe and clean environment for customers and co-workers.
- Encourage and refer patients to participate in Community Support Programs; Home Health Programs, and other services as needed.
- Show proficiency with the electronic health records system: be able to locate pertinent documents, pull medications lists, find clinical notes, start psychiatric visit notes, navigate the electronic prescribing system, and appropriately document patient matters while adhering to HIPAA guidelines.
- Utilize the Microsoft Office Suite: use Outlook to communicate within and outside of Optimae, operate Excel to track data, and use Word to create/update forms and complete letters on behalf of the provider for personal and legal patient matters.
- Respond to crisis situations as necessary; diffuse intense patient situations when able, contact emergency personnel, send records and draft letters informing other health care agencies of patients’ conditions and providers’ recommendations, and complete proper documentation and Critical Incident reports after each patient is safe.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally.
- Ability to climb stairs while carrying objects.
- Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time.
- Normal vision with correction.
- Normal range of hearing with corrections.
- Frequently perform daily duties which involve standing, bending, pivoting, squatting, kneeling, and crouching.
- Ability to respond appropriately to stressful situations involving persons who may be in an emotional crisis.
JOB FUNCTIONS
Efforts have been made to make this job description as complete as possible. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties the Registered Nurse will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, or related to the needs of people we serve, or as assigned by supervisory level staff.
To complete an online application, click here.