The posting
POSITION OVERVIEW: As a member of the ACT team, the RN is responsible for providing a range of treatment to clients with a SPMI/SUD, rehabilitation and support services within the scope of the nursing practice for the clients receiving services from our ACT teams across the city. S/he is responsible for conducting initial nursing assessments and ongoing health monitoring assessments; assessing physical health needs; making appropriate referrals to community physicians as needed, providing medical case management and administration of medication in conjunction with the prescriptions/orders of psychiatrist, PNP, and medical providers. The majority of this role is conducted in the community and is not site specific. Each nurse will work with a primary program and may also work with other JB programs across the city. The RN will be supervised by the Program Director/Nursing leadership. KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :
Carry a caseload and complete initial and ongoing nursing assessments. Conduct weekly visits thereafter for clients currently residing in homeless shelters and assigned to the ACT program and/or in client’s homes or elsewhere in the community where the client is accessible. Develop a treatment plan with the team, based on clients’ needs. Ensure that any medical diagnoses are addressed and the client will be educated as to conditions and signs and symptoms. Complete nursing assessments and health monitoring assessments within appropriate timeframes. Will follow/implement all direction from Psychiatrist or PNP regarding medical treatments and medication orders. Will administer prescribed and/or routine medical treatments, support clients and staff with self-administration of medication procedures and evaluate for potential side effects or adverse reactions. Ensure that all internal policies regarding such administration are adhered to. RN will partner with our clients, in a respectful, encouraging way to promote healthy lifestyle changes within a harm reduction framework, with shared decision-making practices. Will coordinate and deliver medications to the client’s residence or shelter, be responsible for medication counts, follow-up the pharmacies (i.e. refills, insurance authorizations etc) and administering medication to clients. Make referrals, schedule appointments and accompany the client when required. Make visits to hospitalized clients to coordinate care. Provide advocacy for hospitalized clients. Assist with follow up care to promote complete recovery. Function as a liaison between external medical health care providers, shelters, other community organizations and the ACT team with regards to the client’s medical needs. Responsible for health education and communicating information regarding good health practices to the clients under RN's care. Train staff in these practices as well so as to provide continuous health support to clients. Facilitate groups. Respond to medical emergencies as appropriate. Perform all necessary charting and other documentation as required by internal practice and external regulatory bodies within a timely manner. Follow-up and monitor lab results for any indications of change for medication and toxicology; communicate such change(s) to the psychiatrist and PNP. Act as medical representative at interdisciplinary mental health team meetings.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS MAY INCLUDE: • And other duties as assigned. EDUCATIONAL / TRAINING REQUIRED (List all that is required to achieve this position):
RN or BSN in nursing and New York State registration
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED / LANGUAGE PREFERENCE: • Experience in a residential setting or in mental/behavioral health field strongly preferred. COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIRED (List the computer skills needed):
Should feel comfortable utilizing an electronic health records, Microsoft word, excel and outlook
VISUAL AND MANUAL DEXIERITY:
The work environment involves no physical risk or hazardous conditions. The candidate should be able to read documents for analytical purposes such as health charts, spreadsheets, etc. Possess the manual dexterity necessary for handling medical equipment, administering medications, and performing clinical procedures.
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL EFFORT
Should be comfortable with public transportation, traveling in the community, as this position requires 80% of the time in the field and 20% in the office. This individual should be comfortable walking and standing for long periods of time. In addition, the candidate should be comfortable administering injections in non-clinical/non-traditional settings. Ability to walk, sit, stand, and bend as necessary to assess and provide care to clients effectively in various settings. Maintain the physical stamina to perform nursing duties throughout the shift, including prolonged periods of standing and walking, while remaining attentive to patient needs. Ability to navigate a variety of environments, including tight spaces, while maintaining a focus on patient care and safety.
