1. Observes patient’s physical condition, mental state and social behavior and reports to team leader or Nurse-in-charge and provides individual nursing care for patients who are acutely ill, either physically or emotionally.
2. Participates in planning and implementing an orientation program for new patients. Gathers information for intake, social histories, referrals and related purposes which would augment the understanding of cases.
3. Participates in planning and implementing daily living activities on the ward for patients and contributes to the development of a therapeutic ward environment.
4. Assists in planning and implementing therapeutic activities with groups of hospitalized psychiatric patients and encourages client involvement in various individual and group activities as part of planned treatment programs.
5. Reports observations pertaining to patient’s behavior, physical condition and activities at schedule interdisciplinary conferences and submits appropriate reports.
6. Participates with appropriate member of the psychiatric team in implementing aftercare for patients being discharged from the psychiatric service.
7. Refers and accompanies patients to community agencies and facilities offering support and guidance, as necessary.
8. Makes home visits to families of patients to encourage family participation in the treatment plan, evaluates the physical and social environment, and reports the home situation of the patient.
9.Arranges and participates in post discharge of patients. Assesses the adequacy of the home situation and patient participation with reference to post care plans and needs.
10. Follows up through home visits or by telephone contact on these patients who do not continue in aftercare plans developed for them.
11. Interviews and teaches patients and families to develop awareness of sound health practices and disease conditions, i.e., pap smear, diabetes, tranquilizer medication, lead poisoning, etc.
12. Participates in community programs to develop interest and participation in health and socio-educational services.
13. Acts as liaison between medical and nursing staffs, patients, relatives and appropriate outside agencies.
14. May perform functions and activities of the basic Nurse’s Aide in support of the above tasks.