Responsibilities POSITION SUMMARY The Charge Nurse provide safe and effective nursing care in the assigned area(s) in a manner consistent with the philosophy and objectives of the Hospital and within the framework of established policies and procedures of Nursing Dept. As a key team member in the clinical area, the Charge Nurse promote a climate of effective performance and learning through role modeling, willingness to learn and teach, and availability to patients and staff. The Charge Nurse organizes, manages and coordinates unit nursing services on assigned shift as delegated by the Nursing Administration. The Charge Nurse is designed to improve communication, limit inconsistencies on the units, and provide a safe and less stressful work environment. The Charge Nurse will help everyone work as a team, because we should be part of the solution, NOT the problem. QUALIFICATIONS Education: Graduate from an accredited program of professional nursing required; Bachelor's Degree preferred. Preferred Experience: A minimum of three (3) years experience in a psychiatric health-care facility, preferred. Licensure: Currently licensed to practice by the California State Board of Nursing. Additional Requirements: CPR certification and successful completion of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training. CPI Training may be obtained during new hire orientation. Qualifications Knowledge/Skills: Must have ability to communicate effectively. Charge Nurse - Must be able to demonstrate leadership ability. Be the example, support, and resource for other nurses. Must be able to perform concentrated and/or complex mental activity with frequent involvement in complex and/or highly technical situations; Must be able to work successfully under highly stressful conditions;. Must be able to make sound, independent judgments based on scientific and/or ethical principles; Must be able to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures; Must be able to collaborate with other multidisciplinary team members in an appropriate fashion; Must be capable of adapting to varying workloads an work assignments on a constant basis; Must have effective comprehensive reading skills, strong communication skills, written and verbal. Must have math skills to enable calculation of drug dosages and infusion rates. SUPERVISION EXERCISED BY CHARGE NURSE: Staff Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses (LVNs/LPTs), and Mental Health Technicians (MHTs) SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Director of Nursing, Nursing Manager, and House Supervisor. GENERAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Working conditions for all employees are as follows, but not limited to a psychiatric hospital setting; some risk involved in the event of aggressive patient(s); work load may include day, evening, night, weekend and/or holiday shifts. The Charge Nurse is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, blood borne pathogens, and loud noise levels. Mental demands described herein are representative of those which must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job, but are not limited to the ability to remain calm in a stressful environment; and the emotional stability, physical stamina and agility to handle stress and respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Assessment Document patient information and nursing care in the provision of nursing services. Document and reassess any significant changes in the patient's condition in compliance with facility policy. Report any signs or symptoms of infection in patients to the Infection Control Nurse. Verify the accuracy of patient records. Intervention Employ principles of communication, interviewing techniques, and problem solving and crisis intervention when performing psychotherapeutic interventions. Intervention is based on knowledge of psychiatric and medical nursing procedures, as well as the plan of care. Accurately administer medication to patients. Transcribe and carry out physician’s/licensed practitioner’s treatment orders accurately. Utilize appropriate interventions in psychiatric and medical emergencies. Treatment Planning Prioritize and formulate a plan of care based on patient assessment and according to policy. Participate in the development of an interdisciplinary treatment plan with specific and measurable goals, objectives and interventions defining actions unique to each patient's needs. Update and revise the plan as goals/objectives are met or when the patient's condition changes. Document both the nursing interventions on the treatment plan and the patient’s response to the intervention. Milieu Assure patients are adequately oriented to the program. Monitor program activity and encourage patient participation. Prescribe and coordinate nursing care to patients, during episode of care. Provide structure and maintain a therapeutic environment in collaboration with the patient and other health care providers. Consistently utilize universal precautions and environmental safety guidelines. Conduct structured didactic groups with patients and families. Utilize self as a role model to promote health communication. Teaching Provide education to patients and families based on their identified needs and limitations, such as communication, interpersonal and social skills as well as basic principles of physical health. Provide and document discharge instructions including food and drug interactions, diets and activities as appropriate. Evaluate and document the effectiveness of all patient teaching. Provide opportunities for patients and families to question, discuss and explore their feelings about prescribed therapies/interventions/diagnosis. Performance Participate in quality assurance programs. Collaborate with other team members. Act as the patient's advocate and assure that patient rights are upheld. Comply with established measures for infection control, OSHA regulations and risk management. Utilize time constructively and in an organized manner to accomplish assigned responsibilities. Demonstrate guest relations in communication, cooperation and in giving assistance to patients, physicians/licensed practitioners, co-workers and visitors in a prompt and courteous manner. Follow facility, departmental and personnel policies and procedures. Comply with the employee Code of Ethics. Work overtime in a case of emergency or as deemed necessary by supervisor. Attend mandatory educational programs and annual in-services. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor. Demonstrate appropriate therapeutic boundaries. Consistently follow established procedures. Specific Standards for the Care of Child Patients Ages 5 through 11 Maintain knowledge of the Child Program rules, protocols and handbooks guidelines. Maintain knowledge of children’s stages of development and seek guidance from the nurse in charge when questions about the norms for behavior related to child development arise. Assess patients for behaviors consistent with the developmental stages and make note of any deviations in behavior. Recognize acting out behavior of child specific age group and set appropriate limits in clear, concise, behavioral and non-judgmental terms based on the age of the patient. Demonstrate an awareness of learning disabilities and translates treatment/program expectations to the learning-disabled child. Relate to child patients in an age-appropriate manner. Utilize seclusion and restraint procedures with an understanding of the need for modification in regard to smaller body sizes of children, abandonment issues and the history of physical and/or sexual abuse issues. Act as a resource to other staff regarding the Child Patient Programs. Specific Standards for the Care of Adolescent Patients Ages 12 through 18 Maintain knowledge of the Adolescent Program rules, protocols and handbooks guidelines. Assess patients for behaviors consistent with the developmental stages and makes note of any deviations in behavior. Recognize acting out behavior of adolescent specific age group and set appropriate limits in clear, concise, behavioral and non-judgmental terms based on the age of the patient. Demonstrate an awareness of learning disabilities and translates treatment/program expectations to the learning disabled adolescent. Relate to adolescent patients in an age appropriate manner. Utilize seclusion and restraint procedures with an understanding of the need for modification in regard to smaller body sizes of adolescents, abandonment issues and the history of physical and/or sexual abuse issues. Act as a resource to other staff in regard to the Adolescent Patient Programs. Specific Standards for the Care of Adult Patients Ages 19 through 64 Gather information from the patient, family and interdisciplinary team and use judgements based on knowledge of adult behaviors in treatment planning and interventions. Recognize behaviors and set appropriate limits in clear, concise, behaviors and non-judgmental terms. Utilize seclusion/restraint procedures applicable to adult body size and past history of violent or emotional behaviors and/or history of physical and/or sexual abuse issues. Maintain current knowledge of the Adult Program rules, protocols and handbook guidelines. Utilize theoretical concepts to guide the effective practice of adult care within Specific Standards of Care for this age group. Specific Standards for the Care of Geriatric Patients Ages 65 and older Maintain knowledge of the developmental tasks and sociological theories of aging. Utilize theoretical concepts to guide the effective practice of gerontological health care and behavioral care. Gather the appropriate information from the patient, family and interdisciplinary team and use therapeutic judgements based on knowledge of gerontological health/behavioral care practices to develop a comprehensive plan of care. Utilize interventions based on gerontological theory to restore patients’ functional capabilities and to prevent complications and excess disability. Maintain a complete knowledge of treatments, medications and side effects of such in the geriatric age group. Specific Standards for the Care of Chemically Dependent Patients Assesses patient needs as related to chemical dependency and document the plan of care from the admission through discharge. Collaborate with other chemical dependency staff professionals in planning for discharge and follow-up care. Maintain an awareness of how personal issues relating to co-dependency can impact work performance/relationships. Recognize and establish limits on medication-seeking behaviors. Additional Standards Adhere to facility, department, corporate, personnel and standard policies and procedures. Attend all mandatory facility in-services and staff development activities as scheduled. Adhere to facility standards concerning conduct, dress, attendance and punctuality. Support facility-wide quality/performance improvement goals and objectives. Maintain confidentiality of facility employees and patient information. Registered nurses provide supervision to unlicensed staff (mental health technicians and unit clerks). Note: The essential job functions of this position are not limited to the duties listed above. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES THIS SECTION DESCRIBES WHAT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION SHOULD CURRENTLY POSSESS. THIS LIST MAY NOT BE COMPLETE FOR ALL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION. Knowledge of psychiatric and medical nursing procedures is essential. Knowledge of all code procedures. Knowledge of Mental Health Laws and Child Abuse/Neglect/Maltreatment laws, and the DHS provider agreement as applicable. Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines. Skill in telephone etiquette and paging procedures. Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with patients and co-workers. Ability to adhere to safety policies and procedures. Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information. Ability to effectively problem-solve. Ability to work as a team player. Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication. Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures. Ability to recognize the importance of adapting to the various patient age groups to which assigned (ranging from adolescent to geriatrics). Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to meet corporate deadlines. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND SPECIAL DEMANDS THIS SECTION DESCRIBES HOW AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION CURRENTLY PERFORMS THE FUNCTIONS OF THIS POSITION. MODIFICATIONS TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THIS JOB MAY BE PERFORMED WILL BE REVIEWED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS. The ability to competently and fully perform CPI techniques is an essential position function. Must be able to hear sufficiently, with or without correction, to competently perform all essential job functions. Ability to sit and stand (one-third of the shift) and walk (two-thirds of the shift). Ability to reach above, at or below waist height, kneel, bend, stoop, turn and twist (occasionally up to frequently). Ability to see well enough to read charts, treatment plans and typewritten materials. Ability to hear well enough to detect noises on the unit and have the ability to discern odors. Ability to frequently lift and carry 10 lbs.; occasionally 20-50 lbs. Ability to frequently push/pull wheeled carts weighing 100 lbs. Ability to manipulate small and large tools (electric thermometer, telephone, wheelchair, blood pressure cuffs, walkers, paper punch, addressograph, restraints, staplers, EKG machine, copy machine, etc.). Ability to spend 95% of the work day inside in temperatures varying from 60°-90° F., where noise levels range from low to high and the ability to spend 5% of the work day outside in temperatures varying from 30°-110° F. Ability to frequently handle hazardous/infectious waste. Ability to work in an environment where chemicals are frequently used for cleaning, where mechanical and electrical hazards may occasionally be present and where dust, mist and steam are frequently generated in housekeeping tasks. Ability to work at a rapid pace and perform a variety of repetitive duties. Ability to respond to exposure to blood and body fluids. Must be available to work every other Saturday and Sunday, as required. MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER WORK AIDES: THIS SECTION DESCRIBES THOSE MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER WORK AIDES AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION MUST BE ABLE TO USE. Medical and nursing equipment and supplies, including personal protective equipment. Telephone and paging systems. Policies, procedures, plans and program manuals.