Emergency Department Psychiatric RN

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Summary :

• Provides comprehensive, quality nursing care through application of the nursing process and is responsible for providing high quality psychiatric and medical care to patients in the Emergency Department. Will work closely with the emergency medical team, psychiatric providers, and social workers to assess the patients' mental health needs, develop care plans, and provide treatment. The Psychiatric Registered Nurse will also administer medications, monitors patients for adverse reactions, and provides emotional support to patients and their families. They must be skilled in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and maintaining a calm and professional demeanor in chaotic and stressful situations. The Psychiatric Registered Nurse must also have excellent communication skills and be able to document patient care accurately and thoroughly. The Psychiatric Registered Nurse will be working in a fast paced, high stress environment and must be able to prioritize multiple tasks and manage time effectively. Adheres to Nursing Policies and Procedures and Organizational Goals and Objectives.

Responsibilities :

1. Provides age appropriate care for the population served. Gives consideration to growth & developmental phase of life, to age related factors such as thermal regulation, nutrition, medication administration, nutrition, safety and functional needs of the patient.

2. Uses appropriate resources for patients with special needs such as language barriers, sensory problems, altered cognition, cultural and religious needs.

3. Ensures attention to patient's physical, spiritual and emotional well being.

4. Demonstrates competency in assessment skills (Includes admission and shift assessments).

5. Performs pain assessments and intervenes to optimally meet patient's needs for comfort.

6. Plans clinical care based on patient's needs and uses available resources.

7. Performs clinical care in accordance with policy and procedure.

8. Performs peripheral venipuncture and peripheral vascular access care according to policy & procedure.

9. Evaluates outcomes of nursing interventions and takes appropriate actions to move patient toward reaching goals of care.

10. Identifies situations that warrant patient rescue and takes appropriate action, e.g. Rapid Response or Code Blue / Pink.

11. Adheres to the 5 rights of medication administration and uses the medication administration system.

12. Integrates principles of infection control & infection prevention into practice.

13. Adheres to aseptic technique as appropriate.

14. Uses resources and references for reviewing policies and procedures, medications, and clinical information.

15. Prioritizes and organizes work effectively within assigned shift.

16. Assesses the patient's mental health and collaborates with psychiatrists or other care givers in the development of treatment plans.

17. May be required to restrain distressed or violent patients.

18. Performs work under minimal supervision

19. Handles complex issues and problems.

20. Possesses comprehensive knowledge of subject matter. Provides leadership, coaching, and / or mentoring to a subordinate group.

Communication

1. Uses effective communication during hand-offs. (e.g. shift report, transfer report).

2. Organizes information into a meaningful format, such as SBAR.

3. Delegates appropriately to unlicensed personnel and team members.

4. Communicates patient care information to the interdisciplinary care team.

5. Provides patient and family education in a manner that is understood and gives the patient and family handouts, brochures and resources that can be taken home for future reference.

Documentation

1. Documents patient care in an accurate, professional and timely manner using the electronic medical record(s), and paper documentation forms.

2. Documents patient care that is relevant to patient's diagnosis, problems and reflects patient's status.

Professional Role Development

1. Develops own nursing knowledge via practice, observation, professional literature, networking and attending continuing education programs.

2. Promotes best practice by demonstrating a commitment to quality patient care and the profession of nursing.

3. Promotes innovation and creativity in the practice environment.

4. Serves as a preceptor and mentor for new employees.

5. Mentors student nurses.

6. Demonstrates verbal and writing skills that are appropriate for healthcare communication.

Department of Nursing and Organization Support

1. Attends assigned committee meetings and contributes to the committees.

2. Communicates support of organizational values and strategies.

3. Supports the following organizational programs : Magnet®, Joint Commission Disease Specific Certification, Nursing Councils, and integrates their standards into clinical practice.

4. Reviews nursing quality data, e.g. NDNQI and identifies how to apply best practice into own practice and mentor others towards meeting quality target goals.

Departmental Support

1. Maintains equipment in working order. Uses equipment appropriately, follows Department policies for equipment and supply use and maintenance.

2. Performs assigned duties to maintain unit in a state of survey readiness and maintain quality initiatives. For example, quality control measures, emergency equipment checks, medication preparation area cleanliness, etc.

3. Adheres to unit programs to support patient care such as maintaining a quiet environment, hourly patient rounds, customer service, etc.

4. Attends staff meetings on a regular basis.

5. Keeps patient care area and work environment neat and organized.

Credentials :

Education or Equivalent Experience :

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.