Behavioral Health ACT Nurse - (LPN, RN)

Description

SUMMARY:

This position functions as an integral part of the ACT team to provide intensive, recovery-based treatment for the highest risk consumers of mental health resources. The ACT Team RN communicates and coordinates with patients and their support team, medical providers, other FHS staff, and community partners.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

State of Idaho licensed Registered Nurse with at least two years’ experience with people with serious mental illness (SMI). Experience with evidence-based psychotherapies for serious mental illness (i.e., cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis, motivational interviewing) and other recovery-oriented services preferred.

Each ACT team staff member must successfully participate in ACT training. Employees will be required to attend orientation in the FHS treatment model and FHS policies and procedures. A valid driver's license and current automobile insurance is required.  Ability to converse in the Spanish language is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Demonstrate ability to organize and plan weekly schedule and manage time effectively.

2. Have excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation effectiveness.

3. Be adept at initiating daily activities without direct supervision.

4. Proficiency working in EHR systems, preferably Nextgen, and office software applications.

5. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively work with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.

6. Ability to coordinate and promote quality assurance initiatives within the clinic setting.

7. Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

The following duties represent some of the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.

1. Medication Management and Administration:

a. Oversee the medication system, including administration, documentation, and accuracy in medication treatment.

b. Lead in filling prescription orders, organizing medication deliveries, managing IM injection schedules, and administering injections.

c. Maintain the Medication Administration Record (MAR) and ensure all medication-related documentation is up to date.

2. Screening and Monitoring:

a. Conduct regular screenings for medical conditions and medication side effects among ACT participants (e.g., screening for metabolic syndrome for individuals taking atypical antipsychotics, and/or completing the abnormal involuntary movement scale (AIMS) assessment)

b. Monitor existing medical conditions and ensure consistent monitoring of health parameters (e.g., blood glucose levels, metabolic syndrome).

3. Coordination of Services:

a. When assigned to the duties of pre-commitment services, assess whether an individual is a danger to themselves or others; and perform discharge assessments, planning, and coordination.

b. Communicate and coordinate services regularly with various medical providers treating ACT participants (e.g., nursing staff, primary care/medical providers, or psychiatric care providers), both in in- and out-patient settings.

c. Utilize health communication tools to relay information effectively with non-ACT health providers.

d. Work irregular shifts and respond to after-hours emergency calls as required.

4. Health Promotion and Education:

a. Engage in health promotion, prevention, and education activities tailored to participants' needs.

b. Assess for risky behaviors (e.g., unsafe sexual activity) and attempt behavior change.

c. Track age related health screenings.

d. Assess wellness/health management skills and collaboratively work with the team on developing a wellness management plan or strategy.

5. Ensure adherence to appropriate federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines; Family Health Services’ policies; and accepted nursing protocols and procedures.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

SAFETY:

Family Health Services enforces a safety culture where all employees are responsible for continuously developing and maintaining a safe working environment. Each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements, participating in emergency response tasks as requested, and serving on safety committees and teams as requested. In addition, employees must accept the responsibility for maintaining the safety of themselves and others by adhering to all written and verbal instructions, promptly reporting and/or correcting all hazards or unsafe conditions and providing feedback to supervisors and management on all safety issues.

COMPLIANCE (MEDICARE):

Family Health Services is committed to the very highest standards of ethics and integrity. It is our policy to properly determine the accuracy of reporting and billing our services in accordance with the rules, laws, and regulations of FHS, the state government, and the federal government. FHS employees will do their part to ensure accurate documenting and billing practices, participate in compliance training and will identify and report any concerns or activities that may violate these standards.

Each employee will be trained in the FHS Medicare Compliance Plan and the Standards of Conduct and asked to sign a Conflict-of-Interest Statement at hire and annually thereafter. A copy of the Medicare Compliance Plan and the FHS Standards of Conduct are available on the FHS home page under the Compliance tab. 

PATIENT CENTERED MEDICAL HOME (PCMH):

Family Health Services is committed to providing our patients with the highest care standards by becoming recognized as a patient-centered medical home. FHS staff are expected to participate in this process by being active and willing PCMH team members. Specific duties and expectations may vary and will be identified by position and site.

PROCEDURE COMPLIANCE:

Employees must read and understand the general and specific operational, safety, and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures, and policies pertaining to this job. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. Low or limited physical effort is required. No or limited exposure to physical risk.