Wood County, Wisconsin

Purpose of Classification
The purpose of positions in this classification is to evaluate chronically mentally ill or developmentally disabled patients’ physical and mental status, supervise psychiatric technicians, obtain and implement physician’s orders, and notify appropriate persons regarding patient change in condition.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.
1. Works with physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers as part of the treatment team.
2. Utilizes the nursing process for assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating both psychiatric and medical illnesses, including substance abuse. 
3. Evaluates patients for response to treatments and medications. Monitors patient vital signs.  Observes patient for changes in behavioral or medical conditions and responds appropriately.  Responds promptly and effectively in a therapeutic manner. Obtains and implements physician’s orders.  Completes all assigned work in a timely manner.
4. Respond to resident/patient emergencies including psychiatric emergencies, critical illness, fire alarms, etc.  Evaluates situations and takes appropriate action.
5. Prepares and implements patient/resident care plans. Maintains complete and accurate patient/resident charts for treatments, medications, etc.
6. Administers oral medications, intramuscular and intravenous injections, range of motion exercises, catheterizations, enemas, other treatments and charts according to policies and procedures.
7. Provides consultation and referral information to other counties and facilities, psychologists, psychiatrists, law enforcement, community treatment teams, crisis intervention teams, hospital medical staff and prospective patients and families for potential admission of person to Norwood Health Center. Screens prospective admissions. Ensures admissions comply with procedure and required forms are complete.
8. Supervises work performance of subordinate nursing staff for proper technique, quality of care issues and use of equipment, materials and supplies. Reviews subordinates’ chart recordings for accuracy. Prepares written evaluations. Conducts staff in-service and new staff orientations.  Occasional need to participate in disciplinary process of subordinate staff.
9. Converses with patients to assure they are comfortable. Explains recovery progress, therapies, treatments, medications and changes in same. Answers resident’s request for assistance.
10. Communicates and interacts professionally, effectively and tactfully with the residents, visitors, families, peers, referral sources, community staff, crisis and supervisors. 
11. Answers questions and complaints from family members. Notifies families regarding patient needs for personal items such as clothing, glasses, etc.  
12. May be required to participate in facility committees regarding nursing care.  Attends and participates in staff meetings, and in-services.  Attends and participates in continuing educational seminars, conferences, workshops, etc.  
13. Orders medications, supplies and materials.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities
While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this classification and may also be performed by other unit members.
1. Assists residents in eating, toileting, ambulating, repositioning and other daily living tasks.  Arranges transportation as needed.  Tidies patients’ rooms.  
2. May need to assist in subduing and/or restraining agitated and/or violent patients.
3. Distributes meals and snacks.
4. Makes attempts to keep work environment clean and organized.  Answers telephone.
5. Staffing the unit, maintaining safety and fiscal responsibility. 
6. May act as administrative charge for entire facility in absence of Director of Nursing, Administrator or Client Services Manager.