PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The staff nurse in Behavioral health is a Registered Nurse who contributes to the development, implementation and evaluation of nursing care for the assigned patients on his/her unit. Under the direction and leadership of the Associate/Assistant Director of Nursing or the Head nurse, the staff nurse is guided by a thorough knowledge of nursing theory, principles and standards of quality care.
1) Accountable for the care, safety and goal achievements of assigned patients through assessing, diagnosing, planning and interviewing in actual or potential health problems and evaluation patient's response to care.
Conducts an individualized patient assessment based on the patient's immediate needs and within the facility's timeframe policy.
Conducts ongoing assessments as determined by the patient's condition and reprioritizes care accordingly. GOAL: completes care activities on time, demonstrates organization in completing all care/tasks.
4) Develops a plan of care that is individualized for the patient reflecting collaboration with other members of the healthcare team.
5) Documents patient assessment findings, behavioral/psychosocial response to nursing intervention and progress towards problem resolution. Maintains accurate and detailed reports and records.
6) Always checks patient identification prior to providing care or service. Assures patient has identification band.
7) Accepts in person reports from departing nurse on patient progress, needs, medications and plan of care.
8) Endorses patient care status and need to RN assuming responsibility during absence at lunch, break or meeting.
9) Reviews individual patient/family plan of care in conjunction with information from the departing nurse and establishes priorities.
10) Reports pertinent and concise patient condition to appropriate personnel during each shift and reports any changes in timely manner.