Director of Nursing

The Director of Nursing is responsible to provide nursing assessments, formulate the initial treatment plan, initial discharge and aftercare plan and oversee the medical and psychiatric management of the patient in coordination with the attending physician. He/she is also a member of the Treatment Team and provides input into the development of the Master Treatment Plan.

SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY TO POSITION

1. Actively participants in interdisciplinary treatment plan meetings and notified medical director of patient’s compliance with their ordered psychiatric/medications, patient’s having possible medication reactions.
2. Keeps a written ongoing record for both patient’s chart and medical director of all medications ordered for each patient and of any discontinued medications.
3. Communicates to patient’s primary therapist regarding any medication changes ordered by psychiatric or medical physician or any other medication or medical issues, such as patient’s experiencing possible side effects.
4. Supervises and train all nursing staff.
5. Communicates to patient’s primary therapist any medical problems, which can interfere or are interfering with their participation in the program.
6. Medication management policy and procedures reviews and updates.
7. The chairperson of the infection control committee and responsible for collecting and reporting data.
8. Participates in discharge planning team meetings and completes a discharge summary, including medical/pharmacological treatment summary and patients’ summary in the patient’s medical record.
9. Indicates and completes initial nursing assessment within 48 hours.
10. Shares pertinent information with team as obtained from patients or family throughout program.
11. Collaborates with the medical staff to provide medical and nursing care.
12. Provides individual therapy no less than once a week to patients on their medications, usage, special medical conditions requiring patient education
13. Documents client progress/regress according to established policies and procedures.
14. Performs clinical nursing activities in a safe, professional manner & maintains compliance with established nursing care standards.
15. Coordinates and assures all physician’s laboratory orders and orders for referrals to outside physicians are communicated to and carried out.
16. Communicates with laboratory for coordinator of patient’s needing medical appointments as ordered by physicians.
17. Notifies medical physician of all abnormal reports for medical services (i.e. Lab, x-rays, etc.) for patients in timely manner.
18. Notifies medical physician of any patient medical changes.
19. Notifies medical physician immediately of any patient medical emergencies and phoning Emergency Rescue unit if a patient’s medical condition warrants this to assure patient’s medical/health safety.
20. Provides medical information on medications, usage, possible side effects, and drug interactions with other medications and foods; how to take medications safely, and other medications.
21. Continues with educational courses and in-service training, per policies and procedures.
22. Demonstrates objectivity and maturity under stress.
23. Responds positively to changing situations in the work setting.
24. Demonstrates good communication skills.
25. Performs in a professional manner and role models a positive image of mental health.
26. Obtains physicians orders for admission upon patient’s arrival.
27. Reports abuse of patient’s rights immediately.
28. Demonstrates knowledge of medication actions, side effects, and contraindications.
29. Provides groups as scheduled.
30. Documents groups on the appropriate form, in a legible, accurate, clear and concise manner.
31. Participates in Performance Improvements monitoring and evaluating activities.
32. Acts decisively and effectively in managing staff, patients, and other employees during emergency situation.
33. Performs other capacities as needed.

RESPONSIBLE TO: CEO

SUPERVISED BY: Medical Director

POSITION/INDIVIDUALS SUPERVISED: None

INTERRELATIONSHIPS: Maintains open communication lines with facility staff, attending clinicians and physicians, patients and families. Liaisons with community agencies, vendors, and of health services.

EFFECTIVE DATE: RENEWAL DATE: Automatically renews yearly unless revised

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Position is required to work in a temperature controlled environment; 80% - 90% of the time spent indoors.
• Potential exposure to violent situations.
• Potential exposure to airborne/blood-borne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials.

MACHINES/EQUIPMENT USED: Computer, Telephone System, Fax Machine, Xerox Machine, Calculator

JOB CATEGORY UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS: Routine tasks involve no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues (although situations may arise in which the employee might encounter potential exposure to any of the above).

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: None

POTENTIAL WORKPLACE HAZARDS: None

POTENTIAL WORKPLACE VIOLENCE: Med /High

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Graduated from an accredited college or university with a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 2 years’ experience in psychiatric/substance abuse setting, preferably in an inpatient, residential

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION: Licensed Registered nurse in Florida. Maintains current CPR certification.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the Principles and Practices of the discipline.
• Adheres to the Association For Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare Code of Ethics.
• Knowledge of DCF guidelines
• Knowledge of Joint Commission Standards.
• Demonstrates Proficiency in Communication & Written skills.
• Knowledge of State & Federal Statutes Regarding Patient Confidentiality laws.
• Knowledge of Drug-Free Workplace Policies.
• Knowledge of Workplace Violence.
• Knowledge of Corporate Integrity & Compliance Program.

AGE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS SERVED/RESPONSIBILITY: Adults and Children, Adolescents and Geriatric as indicated.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Familiar with community resources

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt