Registered Nurse- Geriatric Psychiatric Unit

Please Note: New Directions is a Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit operated by Dodge County Hospital in Eastman, Georgia.

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for providing comprehensive nursing care to geriatric patients experiencing psychiatric, behavioral, and cognitive health conditions. The RN assesses patients' physical and mental health status, develops and implements individualized nursing care plans, administers medications and treatments, monitors patient responses, and collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team to support patient safety, stabilization, and recovery. The RN promotes a therapeutic environment, utilizes appropriate de-escalation techniques, maintains accurate clinical documentation, and ensures care is delivered in accordance with established hospital policies, applicable state and federal regulations, nursing standards of practice, and DNV accreditation requirements.

Shifts Available: Days, Full-time and PRN, 7am-7pm and Nights, Full-time and PRN, 7pm-7am. Some weekend work mandatory.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides nursing care appropriate to the condition of the geriatric patient.
• Ability to perform nursing assessments on all patients and reassessments as per policy.
• Performs through patient psychiatric interviews.
• Continuously observes patient’s behavior, mental status, and activities.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Formulates and implements patient treatment plans; family is included when appropriate.
• Ability to revise treatment plans as indicated by the patient’s response to treatment and evaluates overall plan daily for effectiveness.
• Demonstrates ability to perform treatments and provide services to level of licensure.
• Knowledgeable of medications including psychotropic drugs and their correct administration based on the patient’s clinical condition.
• Follows the five medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.
• Performs patient care responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for the geriatric population.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform crisis intervention and triage.
• Provides psychotherapeutic treatments to patients and families; individual psychotherapy, group therapy, family therapy, environmental manipulation, and educational classes.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Coordinates and supervises patient care as necessary.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to the Nurse Manager, coworkers, and physicians.
• Concurs with members of the treatment team for the benefit of the patient.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.
• Maintains and operates equipment safely and correctly.
• Treats patients and families with respect and dignity; provides emotional support.
• Provides education to the patient and family concerning treatment plans, compliance with the treatment plan, medications, and their side effects.
• Functions as a patient and family advocate at all times.
• Orients new staff members and volunteers.
• Assists with research studies conducted in the department.
• Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized, and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship within the department and with other departments.
• Adheres to dress code. Wears identification while on duty.
• Attends committee meetings as appropriate.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

LICENSE, REGISTRATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS:

BLS Certification (Preferred)

RN (Required)

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of one (1) year experience in a geriatric psychiatric care setting preferred but not required.

EDUCATION:

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing with a current Georgia Nursing License.
• Successful completion of Dodge County Hospital’s medication administration evaluation.
• Ability to proficiently perform all essential job responsibilities after three-month orientation period.
• Minimal continuing education requirements as defined by the Department of Nursing.
• Requires 5 basic units of DCH education units per year.
• Requires DCH mandatory annual training.

Dodge County Hospital Is An Equal Opportunity Employer:

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Dodge County Hospital will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Dodge County Hospital does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or any other classification in accordance with federal, state and local statutes, regulations and ordinances.

Candidates may apply through Indeed or directly at www.dodgecountyhospital.com, select Careers, then New Directions.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person