SUMMARY:
A Psychiatric RN is a nurse who specializes in the care of individuals with mental health issues. People who need this care may suffer from a range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, acute grief, drug or alcohol addiction, personality disorders and psychoses. A Psychiatric Nurse most commonly provides evidence based nursing care to deliver advanced mental health care to people in a variety of environments and units. More than many other nursing specialization, the psychiatric nurse is responsible for talking and listening to individuals. They also work closely with psychologists and psychiatrists – healthcare providers and physicians who specialize in the care of individuals who need mental health intervention.
Psychiatric nurses work in many environments. A few common ones are
Hospitals
Psychiatric hospitals
Home healthcare organizations
Prisons
Outpatient mental health organizations
Schools that serve people with emotional and mental issues
DUTIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
Take mental health histories from individuals and families
Review physical exams to ensure that physical problems do not exist that might explain mental health issues or that might interfere with psychiatric interventions
Analyze and monitor results of tests
Evaluate mental health problems and formulate nursing diagnoses based on the history, exam and testing
Create plans of care for patients and families based on the patient problems and nursing diagnoses
Administer and monitor medication and treatments based on the plan of care
Evaluate the patient’s/ client’s response to prescribed medications and treatments
Teach and collaborate with patients and families about the findings and plan of care
Collaborate with and educate other members of the healthcare team.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1 to 2 years recent working experience as a Psychiatric RN (not including clinicals)
Current BLS certification
Current TB Screening
Active/Unencumbered State Nursing license
Valid Photo Identification or Driver's License
Successful completion of a Background Check and Medely's screening process