Job Description

Under the supervision of the RN Behavioral Health Program Coordinator, the RN utilizes a general understanding of the principles of nursing and basic physical assessment skills in the development of and implementation of individualized nursing care plans to ensure that the needs of the residents are met. The RN is also responsible for implementing the Behavioral Health Program and assists in the orientation of and supervision of nursing personnel, attends to the daily operations of the unit per shift, unit level, and assumes responsibilities of a leadership role as needed.

** SIGN-ON BONUS** RATE: $40/hr + benefits

Responsibilities:

1 Takes an active role in direct resident assessment and care;

2 Supervises and coordinates nursing personnel in providing direct resident care in adherence to State and Federal regulations;

3 Formulates individualized nursing care plans utilizing the nursing process;

4 Assesses each resident daily and implements a change in the course of action as needed;

5 Assists the physician on rounds and ensures that pertinent information is communicated to and from him/her and orders are taken correctly;

6 Participates in the training and supervision of nursing personnel;

7 Utilizes effectively the general principles of leadership and supervision;

8 Manages conflict through effective problem-solving and communication skills;

9 Acts calmly and efficiently in handling emergency situations;

10 Prepares daily assignment of duties, treatments, and miscellaneous tasks;

11 Assists with implementation of facility’s Quality Improvement Program;

12 Assumes responsibility for the identification of potential safety hazards and for the identification of noncompliance with facility guidelines as set forth in the Policy and Procedure Manuals;

13 Maintains accurate resident care records and documents pertinent data reflecting the use of the nursing process;

14 Attends and participates productively in the resident care meetings, staff meetings and in-services;

15 Maintains active licensure;

16 Attends all mandated in-services;

17 Takes an active role in teaching (formal or informal presentation) with residents, families and staff;

18 Dispenses medication and performs treatments, as requested, and in accordance with  Facility policies and procedures;

19 Assures that each resident’s attending physician and family or responsible party are promptly notified of any significant change in the resident’s health condition;

20 Works directly with the residents and families experiencing personal and environmental difficulties or concerns related to the resident’s physical, emotional and psycho-social needs;

21 Works with the IDT team to assure that medically related therapeutic services are provided to maintain and improve each resident’s ability to control everyday needs(e.g., appropriate adaptive equipment for eating, ambulating, etc.) and mental and psycho social needs(e.g., sense of identity, coping abilities, and sense of meaning or purpose);

22 Maintains a written record of the frequency and nature of consultation and  therapeutic program interaction and response;

23 Performs an evaluation of each resident’s psycho social needs. The plan for providing care shall be formulated and recorded in the residents; medical record and periodically re-evaluated in conjunction with the resident’s total plan of care;

24 Collects pertinent data upon admission of each resident in the Behavioral Health Program to be placed in the medical record, including information about the personal and family problems related to the resident’s illness and care, and actions taken to meet the resident’s needs. Pertinent information shall be made available to the attending physicians and other appropriate staff members;

25 Assist each resident with adjustment to the social and emotional aspects of placement, by including clearly defined goals and interventions in the plan of care;

26 Appropriately manage resident’s behavior and guide resident towards more acceptable social behaviors

27 Assists each resident to achieve and maintain an optimum level of function and self-care through education and retraining in the activities of daily living.

28 Implement positive and appropriate behavioral interventions.

29 Participate and provide input into resident’s plan of care and ensure interventions are followed. 

30 Outdoor supervision of recreational activities and smoking safety.

31 Complete daily behavioral documentation for each resident assigned.

32 Concerns his/herself with the safety of all facility residents in order to minimize the potential for fire and accidents. Also, ensures that the facility adheres to the legal, safety, health, fire and sanitation codes by being familiar with his/her role in carrying out the facility’s fire, safety and disaster plans and by being familiar with current MSDS;

33 Accepts professional obligations and commitments to professional development. Participates in basic and continuing education through professional organizations and educational institutions. Keeps abreast of Federal, State and local requirements regarding long term health care, and by identifying and correcting deficiencies in knowledge and skills;

34 Maintains confidentiality when dealing with residents, their families and records, demonstrate a knowledge of rights and concerns for the welfare of all residents in the facility;

35 Ensures that residents and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals’ needs and rights;

36 Appropriately manage resident’s behavior and guide resident towards more acceptable social behaviors

37 Assists each resident to achieve and maintain an optimum level of function and self-care through education and retraining in the activities of daily living.

38 Implement positive and appropriate behavioral interventions.

39 Participate and provide input into resident’s plan of care and ensure interventions are followed. 

40 Outdoor supervision of recreational activities and smoking safety.

41 Complete daily behavioral documentation for each resident assigned.

42 Concerns his/herself with the safety of all facility residents in order to minimize the potential for fire and accidents. Also, ensures that the facility adheres to the legal, safety, health, fire and sanitation codes by being familiar with his/her role in carrying out the facility’s fire, safety and disaster plans and by being familiar with current MSDS;

43 Accepts professional obligations and commitments to professional development. Participates in basic and continuing education through professional organizations and educational institutions. Keeps abreast of Federal, State and local requirements regarding long term health care, and by identifying and correcting deficiencies in knowledge and skills;

44 Maintains confidentiality when dealing with residents, their families and records, demonstrate a knowledge of rights and concerns for the welfare of all residents in the facility;

45 Performs additional duties as requested.

Requirements:

1 Training and certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention and the ability to demonstrate advanced behavioral techniques.

2 Experience in working with complex and/or severe behavioral residents and applying therapeutic techniques to deescalate the resident (Preferred).

3 Experience in leading various educational and therapeutic program topics related to, but not limited to ADL care, hygiene, social skills, coping skills, anger management (Preferred). 

4 Ability to recognize escalating aggressive behaviors and providing calm redirection to a controlled, safe environment.

5 Ability to work with mentally ill residents having special needs and/or aggressive behaviors

6 Knowledge of behavioral interventions and applied behavioral analysis.

7 Knowledge of behavior management strategies and techniques related to residents experiencing behavioral difficulties.

8 Knowledge of aggressive behavior characteristics pertaining to mentally ill residents.

1 Must have thorough knowledge of nursing techniques and practices.

2 Must have thorough knowledge of the specialized procedures applied and equipment used in the area to which you are assigned.

3 Must have knowledge of medications, their proper dosage and expected results.

4 Must be skilled in handling and manipulating instruments and equipment.

5 Must have ability to coordinate and supervise the nursing functions in an effective manner.

6 Must have ability to maintain an empathetic attitude toward residents and to gain their confidence in order to work with them effectively.

7 Must have ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions in the English language, which may be of a technical nature.

8 Must have ability to recognize and identify symptoms and to make decisions quickly in emergencies.

9 Must have ability to train subordinates in work procedures and to organize and direct training carried out by members of the staff.

10 Must possess the ability to positively interact with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.

11 Excellent interpersonal skills

12 Organized and highly developed written and verbal communication skills

13 Knowledge of all governmental regulations relating to Long term Care Standards

14 Must provide annual verification of a negative TB skin test.

15 Minimum experience working with behavioral residents preferred: 3 years.

16    This position requires a current Registered Nurse graduate of an accredited school of nursing and holds a current, active Registered Professional Nurse license in the state of New Jersey

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