MENTAL HEALTH NURSE

Washtenaw County Health Department; Michigan; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Washtenaw County Health Department is seeking a professional nurse to provide direct and indirect services within a specified program. You will assess medical and emotional needs, take clinical histories, and develop and carry out treatment plans for patients.

The role includes administering medications, coordinating a medication clinic, and delivering mental health services in emergencies, with opportunities to train staff and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's of science degree in nursing.
• Registered Professional Nurse licensed to practice in Michigan.
• Minimum of one year of nursing experience.
• Ability to assess medical and emotional needs and develop treatment plans.
• Knowledge of psychiatric services and psychotropic medications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess medical needs and take clinical histories.
• Prepare, record and administer medications with monitoring for side effects.
• Establish nursing care objectives based on patient assessments.
• Provide mental health services and counseling in emergencies.
• Coordinate medication clinic activities and train staff.
• Attend staff conferences and document care activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor.

Skills

Nursing practice

Anatomy/physiology

Mental health services

Independent judgment

Record keeping

Clinical assessment

Team collaboration

Care planning

Education

Bachelor's of science in nursing

Job description

INTERNAL UNION APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN FIRST CONSIDERATION FOR UNION POSITIONS

This is the full functioning professional level performing a range of direct and indirect services within a specific program. The employee assesses the need for medical assistance, takes clinical histories and identifies abnormal findings. In addition, the employee assesses dysfunctional behavior and emotional trauma and develops and carries out appropriate treatment plans.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Prepares, records and administers medication and treatment noting and evaluating any side effects.


• Takes clinical histories, identifies abnormal findings and assesses the need for medical assistance. Refers clients to a physician when appropriate.


• Establishes nursing care objectives based on an assessment of a client's needs in relation to treatment goals.


• Assesses dysfunctional behavior, emotional trauma, and health status and develops and carries out appropriate treatment plans.


• Coordinates the activities of a medication clinic including training and assigning duties to personnel.


• Provides mental health services to community residents in emergency situations. Identifies problems, intentions of the client and resources available to alleviate the situation. Provides counseling and support services. Makes appropriate case dispositions.


• Attends staff conferences to assess and evaluate client's needs.


• Administer medications and document administration of medications according to agency policy and after successful completion of medication training requirements.


• Performs other duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Principles of nursing practice.


• Human anatomy/physiology across the age span.


• Wellness and illness in all body systems.


• Using sound independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.


• Maintaining accurate files and records.


• Principles and practices, applicable laws and regulations covering health and psychiatric services.


• Psychiatric diagnosis, evaluation and treatment.


• Psychotropic medications; indications, contraindications, medication interactions, and monitoring.


• Assessment of involuntary movements associated with medications.


• Individual and group therapy modalities.


• Co-occurring disorders and appropriate treatment approaches.


• Approaches and techniques of psycho education.


• Community resources.


• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships within a team structure.


• Principles and practices of community based research.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Registered Professional Nurse licensed to practice in Michigan. Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone. Duties also require mobility to attend community meetings.

These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

EDUCATION

Possession of a Bachelor's of science degree in nursing.

EXPERIENCE

A minimum of one (1) year of nursing experience, or the equivalent. Six-month break-in period.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience, which could provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job, should be considered.