Job Abstract

PURPOSE/FUNCTION OF PROGRAM:

REGIONS is a psychiatric residential treatment facility which serves as a diversionary setting during times of crisis or as a step-down from inpatient psychiatric hospital units. Safe Haven is a residential program for boys with Problem Sexual Behavior (PSB). These programs share staff with our therapeutic day school. These services are delivered in a manner which is consistent with the Agency’s goals and mission.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Milieu Nurse provides nursing services and administers medication as needed. The milieu nurse is also responsible for directly engaging with youth in care and assisting them in developing adaptive living skills. The milieu nurse also actively supervises, monitors, and manages crisis situations calmly and therapeutically in conjunction with the mental health workers. The milieu nurses are part of a multi-disciplinary team who work together to provide therapeutic services throughout a client’s stay.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide a safe, orderly and nurturing living experience for children in care.
• Determines, assesses, and provides medical care as permitted under state license and program policies and procedures
• Administers medication as scheduled by Program Nurse and prescribed by medical staff.
• Takes direct charge of any medical emergencies
• Evaluates the physical condition of clients
• Observe and monitor restraints.
• Communicates to supervisors regarding any physical or health issues which may affect the health and/or safety of clients or staff.
• Communicate and educate the mental health workers regarding any medical issues, medication administration, medical policy and procedures, and universal precautions.
• Assist clients with daily living skills as well as teach clients so that they can learn new skills.
• Is knowledgeable of and implements all program and medical policies and procedures
• Provides monitoring, assessment, and documentation of all emergency safety interventions (restraints/escorts)
• Collaborates with the mental health workers and milieu supervisors in order to implement regulations pertaining to emergency safety interventions (restraints/escorts).
• Ensures that goals/objectives of each client’s treatment and crisis management plans are implemented as part of the daily activities.
• Complete documentation daily including PNMI moments in time (Safe Haven), monitoring sheets, and incident reports.
• Ensure that any issues or client behaviors that are observed are discussed with the Supervisors so that the shift summary can accurately reflect what occurred throughout the shift.
• Immediately notify Supervisors and/or Director regarding crisis situations, including elopements, major aggression and sexual acting out.
• Immediately report to supervisor anytime emergency personnel are on campus.
• Provide direct care, supervision, behavioral management, recreational and therapeutic programming.
• Provide crisis intervention utilizing individual, group and peer principles. If necessary perform emergency safety interventions (restraints) safely and effectively.
• May be mandated to stay beyond the end of shift if coverage is required.
• Completes all required training's within indicated time frames
• Participate in the planning and implementation of programming specifically designed to encourage development growth for a wide range of ages.
• Participate in weekly therapeutic groups, under guidance of the clinical staff.
• Adhere to the staffing schedule with the understanding that shift assignments are determined by program needs.
• Attend weekly staff meetings.
• Accepts additional assignments and responsibilities as requested by supervisors.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

• Must be a Registered Nurse for the State of Connecticut who graduated from an accredited school of nursing.
• Ability to deal with crisis situations; implement behavior modification programs; maintain appropriate boundaries; and work as a team member.
• Must display effective communication skills in working with children, families, and other staff
• Must fulfill competency based training requirements in TCI and Social Skills Model
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

• Bi-lingual
• Knowledge of cultural diversity and childhood development
• Certified in CPR
• Experience working with a psychiatric population or the congregate care system
• Experience working in pediatric care

• N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to perform TCI consistent with program policy and procedure
• Ability to climb stairs

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT:

• Some travel may be required
• Must be able to maintain a flexible schedule in order to meet program needs