JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrates competency in the assessment, range of treatment, knowledge of growth and development and communication appropriate to the age of the patient treated.  Performs assessment of the mental and physical status of all assigned patients.  Implements, evaluates, and documents patient care interventions and patient responses in accordance with hospital policy.
• Observes and reports data regarding assigned patient physical and mental health status.
• Demonstrates competency in the assessment, range of treatment, knowledge of growth and development and communication appropriate to the age of the patient treated.
• Participates in a collaborative plan of care in accordance with the multi-disciplinary treatment plan and accepted standards of nursing practice.
• Organizes, coordinates, and prioritizes patient care in conjunction with other direct care providers.
• Contributes to patient/family education process and documents accordingly.
• Functions as a professional role model and resource person, providing guidance to other team members
• Demonstrates accountability for providing safe, appropriate, and quality patient care according to current nursing practice and standards.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge base of psychopharmacology and medication administration in accordance with hospital policy
• Demonstrates competency in caring for the patient requiring restraints, seclusion, and or other behavioral management.
• Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the Network/ Entity as well as the proper release of information.
• Maintains clinical records of all patient contact according to hospital policy and other regulatory guidelines (i.e., State, JCAHO).
• Documents patient information thoroughly, reflecting consideration of treatment plan

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Sit up to 2 hours per day; 1 hour at a time.  Stand for up to 8 hours per day; 4 hours at a time.  Walk up to 6 hours per day; 10 minutes at a time.  Consistently lift, carry and push objects up to 10 pounds. Frequently lift, carry and push objects up to 75 pounds. Transport patients weighing up to 300 lbs. via wheelchair, bed and/or stretcher with assistance when appropriate. Consistently pull up to 10 lbs. Frequently pull up to 300 lbs. with assistance when appropriate. Frequently stoop and bend, crouch, kneel and climb.  Frequently reach above shoulder level. Occasional crawling. Must be able to perceive attributes of an object through touch. Frequently finger and handle objects. Occasionally firmly grasp, twist, turn objects with hands and fingers.  Must be able to hear as it relates to normal conversation, and high and low frequencies.  Must be able to see as it relates to general, near, far color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and visual monotony (e.g. computer screen). 

EDUCATION:   

Current Licensed Practical Nurse license in the State of New Jersey or Pennsylvania (based upon assignment location) required.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

One year nursing experience in a behavioral health setting required. Two years preferred. BLS, certification required. Successful completion of individualized orientation program. Basic computer skills required. Each campus may have cross-functioning requirements.