Psychiatric Staff Nurse I/II - Extra-Help Psychiatric Staff Nurse I/II

Full Job Description

This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both full time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay is $34.26 - $38.35 per hour.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Implement patient medical care plans as developed and prescribed within Mental Health Department guidelines and policies.
  
  
• Provide direct care for regular and individual special treatments or procedures.
  
  
• Observe and evaluate patients' signs, symptoms, and reactions to therapy in efforts to identify or interpret significant findings or changes requiring attention or notification of other professional staff.
  
  
• Assists with special treatments, tests, and administering prescribed medications, making constant adjustments commensurate with a patient's condition.
  
  
• Maintain control of drugs and medications.
  
  
• Instruct and interact with patients and/or relatives concerning home care.
  
  
• Initiate appropriate emergency measures, requiring independent judgment to sustain life, as necessary.
  
  
• Assist with evaluating services of an assigned unit or program.
  
  
• Consults with experienced Psychiatric Staff Nurses when patients‘ problems are not within the scope of practice.
  
  
• Assists with the development of procedures and methods to improve in-patient and/or outpatient services.
  
  

Requirements

LEVEL I

Experience:
None. Prior nursing experience is desirable.

Education:
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

License:
Possess and maintain a valid license as a Registered Nurse or Interim Permit issued by the State of California. Incumbents appointed while holding an Interim Permit must obtain Licensure within 6 months of appointment or be removed from this classification.


LEVEL II

Experience:
One (1) year of responsible professional nursing experience in providing nursing services.

Education:
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

License:
Possess and maintain a valid license as a Registered Nurse issued by the State of California.

SOME POSITIONS IN THIS CLASSIFICATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECKS PURSUANT TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECTION 2, B.

Qualifications

• Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
  
  
• Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations, develop appropriate conclusions, and prepare reports.
  
  
• Meet deadlines under stressful conditions.
  
  
• Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.
  
  
• Complete multiple priority projects with conflicting deadlines.
  
  
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
  
  
• Lift and move with help objects weighing over 50 pounds.
  
  
• Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
  
  
• Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
  
  
• Kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance and crawl.
  
  
• Frequent use of hand-eye coordination.
  
  
• Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.
  
  
• Occasionally lift and move with help objects weighing over 100 pounds.
  
  
• The employee shall be physically able to handle a "take down" procedure (restrain hostile/violent clients in a crisis situation) as warranted during the course of performing their assigned duties.
  
  
• Duties require exposure to patients who may be hostile, violent, mentally ill, and/or who may have infectious diseases.
  
  
• Positions assigned to the Marie Green In-Patient Unit and Crisis Stabilization Unit work shifts and holidays.
  
  
• Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
  
  
• Sit, stand or walk for long periods of time.
  
  
• Regular attendance is an essential function.
  
  

Knowledge of:

• Modern methods, techniques, and procedures of general psychiatric professional nursing.
  
  
• Psychiatric terminology and medical terminology.
  
  
• Procedures, equipment, and methods used for in-patient and out-patient medical care.
  
  
• Rehabilitation methods and programs.
  
  
• Counseling and treatment methods for patients with mental health and alcohol and drug problems.
  
  
• Serious Mental Disorders and use of/Psychiatric medications and potential side effects.
  
  

• Develop, implement, and evaluate nursing plans to meet psychiatric in-patients' needs.
  
  
• Analyze facts and conditions, apply sound psychiatric principles in making decisions.
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• Serves as a team member and leader in the development of nursing and psychiatric treatment services for patients.
  
  
• Use patience and understanding when dealing with patients with mental problems.
  
  
• Develop and use community resources in psychiatric nursing work.
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• Provide counseling and assistance for family members of patients.
  
  
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  
  
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate records and reports.
  
  
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, physicians, co-workers and those contacted during the course of work.