Inpatient Med Psych- Staff Nurse- Per Diem

Under general supervision, assumes 24-hour accountability to plan and provide direct professional nursing care for specified patients throughout the entire episode of service delivery as defined by population and unit.  Provides nursing services to patients and families in accordance with the standards of practice of a professional nurse, CCMC policies & procedures, TJC, and State & federal regulations.  Reports to Nurse Manager.

• Clinical Practice - On a daily basis, demonstrates clinical expertise and uses the nursing process to provide safe, appropriate patient care to a defined patient population according to CCMC and unit policies and standards.  
• Population Specific - Demonstrates knowledge of the differences and needs of patients presenting with behavioral and medical concerns and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients, families and co-workers.
• Unit Leadership –Fosters effective team dynamics amongst staff, using clear communication supporting patient, family and staff safety.  Delegates’ duties and tasks associated with patient care to clinical staff according to hospital policy and their scope of practice.  As assigned, contributes to the leadership of the unit by functioning as the Resource Nurse and/or by participating in the professional development of others through preceptor/mentor activities.  Supports the unit/department’s work productivity and resource management activities.
• Documentation/Communication- Completes all required documentation in a timely manner, according to CCMC policies and standards; necessary information is effectively communicated to all members of the health care team.
• Patient/Family Partnership & Education - Partners with child and family in evaluating outcomes.  Monitors, trends, and evaluates patient/family responses to treatment.  Provides appropriate education to patients and families regarding all aspects of care according to CCMC policies and standards; supports the organization’s efforts to patient/family education.
• CCMC Standards - Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with the CCMC Standards.
   

Education and/or Experience Required:

• ASN required upon hire.  BSN preferred upon hire and required within 3 years of hire.

License and/or Certifications Required:

• Current State of Connecticut Registered Nurse Licensure required or nurse licensure compact (NLC) and maintained thereafter.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR in adult, child & infant is required upon hire.
• Specialty licensure/certification may be required, as specified by department.
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training certification required within 3 months of hire and maintained thereafter.    

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Theory, principles, techniques and practice of professional nursing. 
• Common behavioral health / psychiatric diagnosis, medication, concepts, and evidence based.
• Therapeutic interventions and treatments.       
• State regulations regarding nursing practice.
• Clinical standards of care; documentation and patient record policies and standards.
• Teaching techniques; identification of learning needs and provision of patient/family education.
• Developmental and population-specific patient & family assessment techniques and how to apply to practice.
• Accreditation and certification requirements and standards.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Effective de-escalation techniques. 
• Basic proficiency in utilization of personal computers in networked Windows-based health care environment to access related software applications; locate, open, edit and print files and information utilized by the unit; and use of Internet as research tool.

Ability to:

• Work individually or with within teams and/or other organizations within the medical and research community.
• Make clinical and procedural decisions using the nursing process. 
• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Delegate appropriately to ancillary staff.
• Communicate effectively with individuals and groups both orally and in writing.
• Maintain professional boundaries. 
• Maintain professional composure, including during stressful/difficult and/or critical situations.