MENTAL HEALTH NURSE

This is the full functioning professional level performing a range of direct and indirect services within a specific program. The employee assesses the need for medical assistance, takes clinical histories and identifies abnormal findings. In addition, the employee assesses dysfunctional behavior and emotional trauma and develops and carries out appropriate treatment plans.

This position is a tiered position. Advancement from LEVEL I to II to III is dependent upon experience in the position, as well as ongoing acceptable work performance and demonstrated proficiency as a Mental Health Nurse.

Essential Duties:

Prepares, records and administers medication and treatment noting and evaluating any side effects.

Takes clinical histories, identifies abnormal findings and assesses the need for medical assistance. Refers clients to a physician when appropriate.

Establishes nursing care objectives based on an assessment of a client's needs in relation to treatment goals.

Assesses dysfunctional behavior, emotional trauma, and health status and develops and carries out appropriate treatment plans.

Coordinates the activities of a medication clinic including training and assigning duties to personnel.

Provides mental health services to community residents in emergency situations. Identifies problems, intentions of the client and resources available to alleviate the situation. Provides counseling and support services. Makes appropriate case dispositions.

Attends staff conferences to assess and evaluate client's needs.

Administer medications and document administration of medications according to agency policy and after successful completion of medication training requirements.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Principles of nursing practice.

Human anatomy/physiology across the age span.

Wellness and illness in all body systems.

Using sound independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.

Maintaining accurate files and records.

Principles and practices, applicable laws and regulations covering health and psychiatric services.

Psychiatric diagnosis, evaluation and treatment.

Psychotropic medications; indications, contraindications, medication interactions, and monitoring.

Assessment of involuntary movements associated with medications.

Individual and group therapy modalities.

Co-occurring disorders and appropriate treatment approaches.

Approaches and techniques of psycho education.

Community resources.

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships within a team structure.

Registered Professional Nurse licensed to practice in Michigan. Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator's license.

Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone. Duties also require mobility to attend community meetings.

These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Possession of a Bachelor's of science degree in nursing.

A minimum of one (1) year of nursing experience, or the equivalent. Six-month break-in period.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience, which could provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job, should be considered.