Job Abstract

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Provides acute or chronic psychiatric nursing care to patients/clients.
2. May direct the work activities of Mental Health Workers.
3. Communicates and interacts with patients using specialized techniques.
4. Plans, coordinates and participates in unit group and recreational activities.
5. Encourages patient participation in recreational and other group activities.
6. Develops daily plans and organizes goals for patients.
7. Assists patients in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for them to adequately cope with their ongoing mental illnesses.
8. Assists in the admission of new patients.
9. Receives and executes physician orders.
10. Observes and records patient behavior and reports any unusual conditions.
11. Consults with relevant staff concerning status of patients.
12. Obtains and records patient temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure rates.
13. Conducts inventories of controlled medications on each shift.
14. Prepares, dispenses and administers oral, subcutaneous and intermuscular medications.
15. Observes patients for possible medication reactions.
16. Provides education to patients about medications.
17. Participates in therapy sessions and staff meetings.
18. Provides a variety of medical assistance as needed.
19. Prevents or assists in preventing patients from injuring themselves or others.
20. Oversees ward or treatment center cleanliness.
21. Accompanies patients to designated areas of the hospital or to recreational areas off the facility grounds.
22. May transport patients/clients to appointments and outside facilities as needed.
23. Prepares documentation reflecting patient care, activities, progress, test results, etc.
24. Prepares and/or generates various correspondence and documentation.
25. Reviews various documentation and processes, forwards, or takes other action as appropriate.
26. Communicates with staff of adjoining shifts or other relevant staff to gather/exchange information.
27. Responds to requests for information or assistance.
28. Provides supervision, guidance and training to other staff members as assigned.

1. Supervises and/or assists with bathing and personal hygiene of patients as needed.
2. Maintains inventory of departmental supplies and initiates requests for new or replacement materials.
3. Performs clerical duties, such as answering telephones, sending and receiving faxes, using the copy machine, filing, routing charts, etc.

Knowledge of:
Nursing techniques and their application; standard practices used in caring for the mentally ill or emotionally disturbed; currently recognized practical nursing theory and practice; psychiatric medication; CPR and first aid administration; basic mathematics; standard office equipment; clerical activities related to organization's programs and operations.

Ability to:
Apply routine general and psychiatric nursing care to mentally ill or emotionally disturbed patients; exercise patience, initiative and judgment in recognizing symptoms indicative of adverse patient reactions; maintain confidentiality of patient/client information; establish and maintain effective interpersonal relations with individuals and groups; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; prepare and maintain accurate records of patient activities and progress; take initiative with patient interaction and in maintaining the work environment.

Education and Experience:
Education as required for the Psychiatric Technician or Licensed Vocational Nursing Certification; some related experience desirable.

Essential Duties require the following physical skills and work requirements:
Ability to think and act quickly in emergencies; effectively deal with personal danger; maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of exercise sound judgment and rational thinking under varied circumstances; maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include assisting in subduing resisting individuals; must be able to support the weight of patients for brief periods of time in positioning/transporting; ability to operate and use a variety of health care equipment and tools.

License or Certificate:
A valid license as a Psychiatric Technician issued by the California State Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners, or possession of a valid registration as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. May require possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver's License.

Recruitment Process
The recruitment process for this position requires completing an application and may include participating in oral interview(s) and/or written exam. Please notify the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date for this position if you believe you have a disability, which would make it difficult to participate in any portion of the recruitment process and would require reasonable accommodation. Sutter County reserves the right to require medical documentation concerning the need for accommodation. Offers of employment are contingent upon investigation of employment history, references, drug testing, medical review/exam and fingerprinting in addition to other appropriate requirements of the position.

NOTE: Sutter County utilizes E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of employees to work in the United States.

The County of Sutter is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Sutter County encourages both incumbents and individuals who have been offered employment to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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