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Northeast Georgia Health System is rooted in a foundation of improving the health of our communities.

About the Role:

Job Summary

Carries out a variety of patient care activities and clerical tasks which support the maintenance of the therapeutic milieu and which meet the patient's needs for comfort and safety. A major component is to facilitate the communication process among the appropriate personnel and to maintain personal composure when unit priorities quickly change. This position will care for patients in the adolescent age groups (if assigned to the PRN Pool this position will also care for patients in the adult and geriatric age groups). Employee performs clinical duties in accordance with population specific guidelines and adheres to National Patient Safety Goals as outlined in policy and procedures.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: BLS/ACLS Certification

• Educational Requirements: High School Diploma or GED

• Minimum Experience: Two (2) year of hospital experience required. Equivalent health care experience may be substituted for direct hospital experience.

• Other:

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Preferred Licensure or other certifications:

• Preferred Educational Requirements: Associates Degree or two (2) years of college equivalent preferred

• Preferred Experience:

• Other:

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic Clinical Support Skills

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality necessary in behavioral health setting

• Effective team building skills

• Effective communication skills

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Assists licensed nursing staff with the admission process for patients to ensure that patients' needs are assessed thoroughly and that patients and their families have a good understanding of the unit and their treatment program.

• Obtains certain initial information from the patient and/or guardian and documents appropriately on an assessment form.

• Obtains initial vital signs, height and weight and records them on assessment form.

• Assists patient with unit tour and orientation to the unit, including patient rights.

• Performs search of patient and search of all patient belongings within established Laurelwood policy.

• Assists with collection of lab specimens and prepares for transport to lab.

• Obtains patient photo at time of admission and places arm band on each new admit.

• Actively participates in structuring the milieu by interacting with the patients and by encouraging their participation in groups.

• Observes patient's physical and mental status, and documents such.

• Responds to any changes in the patient's condition and reports such to the Charge Nurse as appropriate.

• Documents observations and interventions on flow sheet and progress notes in the patients 'chart as assigned.

• Uses therapeutic communication appropriately with patients in groups and in one-to-one situations.

• Follows designated level of observation on each patient and records required patient checks on appropriate forms.

• Provides for patient's hygiene needs by assisting with activities of daily living as needed.

• Provides for patient's nutritional needs by accompanying patients to meals, observing intake, and recording significant data on the nursing flow sheet.

• Completes patient care as assigned on shift in a timely manner.

• Transcribes physician's orders in a thorough and accurate way utilizing the MIS appropriately, when applicable.

• Reports STAT orders to the Charge Nurse immediately when applicable and verbalizes legal requirements associated with transcribing orders as necessary.

• Collecting specimens following Universal Precautions.

• Taking and recording vital signs as ordered and reporting any significant changes to the Charge Nurse.

• Weighing patients and documenting on graphics sheets.

• Assists with Facilitation of nursing led patient groups and patient activities.

• Conducts activities in gym, rec room, art room, following developed protocols.

• Documents in progress notes and IPER following hospital policy/procedure.

• Follows through with the treatment team decisions in structuring the milieu.

• Follows designated level of observation on each patient.

• Participates in annual training for Crisis Intervention and demonstrates competency in performing verbal and physical interventions for out-of-control patients (Code Green).

• Demonstrates appropriate use of seclusion and restraints (Demonstrates appropriate response and follow through in medical emergencies).

• Handles inquiry and crisis calls as Intake backup when an Intake Specialist is unavailable.

• Assists Intake with initial assessment and screening of potential patients when an Intake Specialist is unavailable.

• Assists with coverage of the nursing station including answering telephones according to hospital policy while maintaining patient confidentiality and assisting visitors and others accessing the facility.

• Participates in and successfully completes annual competency verification requirements. Performs satisfactorily in mock codes and other emergency preparedness drills or events. Achieves and maintains current BLS (CPR) and/or ACLS certification as outlined in policy.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 100 lbs, Occasionally 0-30% of time

• Weight Carried: Up to 50 lbs, Occasionally 0-30% of time

• Vision: Moderate, Occasionally 0-30% of time

• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Occasionally 0-30%

• Standing/Walking: Frequently 31-65%

• Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally 0-30%

• Intensity of Work: Occasionally 0-30%

• Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding

Working at NGHS means being part of something special: a team invested in you as a person, an employee, and in helping you reach your goals.

NGHS: Opportunities start here.

Northeast Georgia Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.