Position Summary:
Under general supervision provides direct, technical nursing care functions in accordance with individual nursing care plans and as directed by attending physician to clients with behavioral health and/or substance use disorders in an outpatient behavioral health clinic. Care includes conducting initial and on-going nursing assessments, behavioral health assessments (as needed), administering medications including injections, assisting with client bridge requests, etc.
Work Schedule:
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Monday - Friday 8:30A - 5:00P, with 1-2 evenings (to 7:00PM) per week.
- Includes working one Saturday per month.
Responsibilities and Duties:
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Assures treatment planning, discharge planning, and orders for services are determined and complete with second signatures (if needed).
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Provides education to the client about medications and treatment.
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Explains medication and treatment to the client.
- Identifies clients health education/information needs; instructs clients accordingly. Solicits feedback from clients to verify understand.
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Advises clients on health maintenance and refers client to other health care services as appropriate.
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Administers medication(s) in the proper methods, time, and dosage as ordered and indicated by prescriber. This can include both oral and injection medications.
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Observes and records client response to medication for side effects or adverse effects; immediately reports any significant reactions to attending prescriber.
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Maintains adequate supply of necessary medications, samples, and lab supplies needed.
- Conducts and records audits of medications for expiration dates and other data according to established guidelines.
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Coordinates with Business Manager for re-ordering of lab supplies needed.
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Calls in prescriptions ordered by physicians as needed.
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Performs various health screenings according to established guidelines.
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Takes vital signs and performs other tests (such as glucose monitoring, pregnancy tests, UDS, etc.) as required by the prescriber following established guidelines.
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Collects specimens for diagnostic testing according to established procedures.
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Orders lab work per protocol. Performs lab draws. Uses CLIA-waivered lab equipment for in-agency lab work and obtains lab results from lab work performed by commercial labs.
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Provides initial and on-going assessments. Interviews client to obtain thorough medical history and/or determine extent of illness. Enters this into client chart for use by prescriber.
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These assessments include initial and yearly nursing assessments minimally, but can also include follow ups in between prescriber appointments.
- Also, RNs may complete on-going behavioral health assessments (when appropriate) for clients.
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Responsible for providing outpatient behavioral health psychoeducational groups to clients as appropriate.
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Responds to clients in acute distress according to established guidelines.
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Additional duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Current Georgia license to practice as a Registered Nurse
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in a behavioral healthcare setting