RN - Gero Psych (Caring Connections) - Full Time

General Summary

The RN is a professional practitioner who functions as both a caregiver and care manager. In the caregiver role, the RN assumes responsibility for a group of patients for a designated time frame implementing the Nursing Process and therapeutic use of self. The RN assesses and monitors patient’s health status and physical care needs at admission and while client’s are receiving care. They supervise the Gero-Psych patients in all aspects of medication self-administration and all management of medication and other patient care supplies. The RN also provides health education for patients and families as needed or requested. They function as a member of the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team and perform administrative, clerical, and other task according to program policy. They demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of performance.

GIBSON AREA HOSPITAL & HEALTH SERVICES MISSION STATEMENT

To provide personalized, professional healthcare services to the residents of the Communities we serve.

Principle Duties And Responsibilities

• Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to patient rights, as identified within the institution.
• Completes an admission Geropsychiatric nursing assessment for every patient according to department standards.
• Performs assessment and data collection in an ongoing and systematic manner, focusing on the patient's physiologic and cognitive status.
• Formulates or individualizes a predefined, goal consistent and continuous manner by utilization of and adherence to pre-determined standards which define the structure, process, and desired patient outcomes of nursing process.
• Regularly obtains and documents patient’s vital signs and weights according to department standards.
• Communicates relevant clinical and other client care information to Department Director, Medical Director, and Treatment Team Members as necessary and appropriate.
• Monitors and documents Gero-Psych patient’s food and fluid intake at lunch as ordered by the physician to ensure adequate calorie intake and to prevent marginal dehydration.
• Performs efficiently in emergency patient situations following established protocols, remaining calm, informing appropriate persons, and documenting events.
• Coordinates and documents patient’s care in cases of medical emergency, providing a report to the Emergency Department or other appropriate resource.
• Educates Gero-Psych patients regarding bowel activity patterns to maintain regularity, prevent constipation and impaction.
• Implements bowel hygiene program according to patient need.
• Assures the Gero-Psych patient brings medications from home for self-administration during program hours.
• Provides for appropriate storage of medications.
• Supervises and documents patient’s self-administration of medications.
• Maintains current physician orders for PRN medications as needed.
• Reminds patient’s to take PRN medications as needed.
• Advises patient and family regarding PRN medications to bring.
• Provides patient education in all areas of self-care, medical/psychiatric conditions, medications, and/or physical/mental health as indicated or requested by the attending physician and Department Director.
• Provides families and family caregivers with the education on health related topics.
• Completes patient education.
• Assists with History and Physical as needed or requested.
• Facilitates obtaining nutritional assessment data as needed.
• Implements and documents nursing interventions as a part of the Interdisciplinary Treatment Plan.
• Participates in the completion of maintenance of patients medical records, including the record of the physician orders.
• Demonstrates applied knowledge base in areas of structure standards, patient care resources/references, protocols, pertinent drugs, standards of care, and significant lab values.
• Maintains Physical examination supplies according to program standard.
• Coordinates patient’s meals and transportation as requested or in absence of Unit Clerks.
• Evaluates effectiveness of care given by self and by all health care team members. Also, evaluates contribution of systems, environment, and instrumentation in processing patients toward desired outcomes.
• Adheres to dress code. Appearance is neat and clean.
• Wears identification while on duty.
• Observes client confidentiality.
• Respects and protects client’s legal rights.
• Listens to and responds in a positive manner.
• Respects others point of view.
• Senses others emotions, understands their perspective, and takes an active interest in their concerns.
• Displays honesty and integrity; trust-worthiness.
• Keeps disruptive emotions and impulses under control.
• Communicates suggestions and/or complaints through appropriate standards.
• Greets customers in warm, hospitable manner.
• Asks questions to identify and ensure accurate interpretation of costumer needs.
• Finds innovative ways to exceed costumer needs.
• Evaluates own performance based on customer satisfaction.
• Flexible in adapting to changing situations and overcoming obstacles.
• Takes initiative; is ready to act and seize opportunities.
• Works to improve performances to meet personal and organizational standards of excellence.
• Actively involves self in Performance Improvement (PI) activities at the generic and unit levels through use of data sources and compliance peer review monitoring.
• Cooperates and collaborates with co-workers to enhance performance of all.
• Participates in development and attainment of unit and department of nursing goals.
• Works to resolve disagreements in cooperative manner.
• Cultivates and maintains relationship to facilitate work of the entire organization.
• Bolsters others abilities through feedback and constructive comments.
• Accepts responsibility for success of the organization and is willing to pick up slack or compromise to meet organizational goals.
• Utilizes nursing process to safely monitor side effects of medications.
• Able to conduct group sessions for patient education about medication compliance, side effects & maintenance.
• Able to conduct a didactic group on health maintenance.
• Able to supervise and give feedback on the following groups:
• Relaxation
• Reminiscence
• Medication education
• Reality orientation/validation
• Body image enhancement
• Self-esteem enhancement
• Exercise promotion
• Re-motivation
• Daily goals group
• Pain management
• Problem solving
• Spiritual support
• Music and movement
• Social skills
• Fall and safety precautions
• Oxygenations/smoking cessation
• Nutrition
• Sensory awareness
• Abuse/misuse of over the counter & medically prescribed drugs.
• Activities for the cognitively impaired
• Patient rights
• Discharge planning
• Medication compliance
• Guided imagery
• Apply nursing process in fall prevention.
• Functions with an awareness of and adherence to safety requirements as identified in existing standards.
• Applies professional nursing care principles and procedures in the evaluation and treatment of psychiatric patients.
• Participates in treatment team planning with interdisciplinary treatment team for Gero-Psych patients.
• Apply nursing process to manage a therapeutic milieu for all patients.
• Involve family/other support systems in the treatment planning process.
• Counsel patient on 1:1 basis on treatment issues that are nursing related.
• Documents patient’s progress according to program standards.
• Demonstrates an attitude of seeking knowledge and rationale for actions and shows ability to apply theory/data to the clinical settings.
• Remains flexible in staffing patterns and in resolution of staffing conflicts; participates in temporary assignment measures in the division of nursing.
• Demonstrates appropriate use of lines of authority in clinical and operational matters when seeking direction, validating self-decision making, and resolving problematic issues.
• Communicates effectively with a variety of individuals and functions calmly in situations, which require a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Monitors clients on an ongoing basis to identify health needs, problems, and /or symptoms.
• Assist clients with personal care needs (bathroom, etc.) as needed or requested.
• Assist clients on and off the vans needed.
• Physical Lifting Requirements:
• Floor to waist - 40 pounds
• 14” to waist - 50 pounds
• Waist to shoulder - 20 pounds
• Shoulder to overhead - 10 pounds
• Carry 40 pounds for 30 feet
• Push 40 pounds/force for 30 feet
• Pull 40 pounds/force for 30 feet
  
  

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Reports to the Director of Gero-Psych and Behavioral Wellness Clinic.