Mental Health Nurse - Bethany for Children & Families

(Bridgeview Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) is an affiliate of Bethany for Children & Families)

Under supervision of the Nurse Manager and according to nursing standards of care, the Mental Health Nurse provides assessments, treatments, and care to patients of the Community Mental Health Center (CMHC). The Mental Health Nurse will also provide mental health education and consultation to other mental health providers and ensure the highest quality of mental health nursing services, promoting optimum client care and the overall mission and objectives of the agency.

What YOU get for being a Mental Health Nurse:

• Competitive Compensation,
• Flexible work schedule,
• For full-time employees in their first year of employment, one hour of vacation time is earned for every 26 hours paid, with a maximum of 80 hours earned per year. For full-time employees after their first year of employment, one hour of vacation time is earned for every 13 hours paid, with a maximum of 160 hours earned per year,
• Full-time employees earn one hour of sick leave for every 21.67 hours paid,
• Eleven (11) paid holidays,
• Agency contributions of 8% calculated on bi-weekly earnings to a 403(b) Thrift Plan (retirement plan) upon meeting plan eligibility criteria,
• An option of two health plans, one with a Health Savings Account benefit that includes employer contributions,
• Dental insurance,
• Vision insurance (100% employer-paid premiums if enrolled in the dental insurance plan),
• Group Life insurance; Basic Life and Basic AD&D,
• Options of employee-paid premiums for voluntary supplemental insurance offered, and
• An Educational Aid program.

Mental Health Nurse Responsibilities:

1. Provides medication management, including injectable medications, to patients as ordered by the prescriber (physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant).

2. Documents and maintains client records related to physical health and all administered medications as to route and dosage and pertinent phone contacts with clients, families, and agencies.

3. Maintains record of sample medications and the dispensing and inventory of such medications.

4. Triages phone calls regarding medications and is available to manage walk-in emergencies during business hours.

5. Orders refills of medications as needed and prescribed.

6. Orders lab work as needed and prescribed.

7. Assists clients with no insurance in obtaining medications through patient assistance programs, and available samples, and through other available funding sources.

8. Provides consultation and education services to clients, family members, staff, community members, agencies and the court system.

9. Collaborates with pharmacies and other medical providers as needed.

10. Completes written correspondence to outside agencies as needed.

11. Obtains prior authorizations for medications from insurance carriers and maintains authorizations for services through insurance companies and county funding.

12. Maintains expected level of productivity as assigned by the Nurse Manager.

13. Completes billing timely and accurately and in accordance with agency policies.

14. Provides scheduled emergency and on-call services as required.

15. Maintains licensure and professional growth through seminars and workshops. Maintains up-to-date knowledge in the area of mental health and pharmacology.

16. Represents the agency in a professional manner.

17. Attends and participates in professional staff meetings and in-services.

18. Remains flexible, accepts changes in work schedule and assignments.

19. Maintains established agency/department policies, procedures, directives, confidentiality, quality assurance, safety, and infection control standards as appropriate.

20. Demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices and maintaining the highest level of professional integrity in adherence to the agency's compliance program.

21. Performs other duties as assigned.

Mental Health Nurse Qualifications:

• Is required to be a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse from a state approved training program.
• Has current unrestricted licensure in good standing in the state of Iowa or Illinois depending upon which state the nurse is working.
• Has the ability to fulfill all of the regulatory requirements for employees of a Community Mental Health Center in the State of Iowa or Illinois as required by state and federal law. This includes successful completion of the criminal background investigation, clearance from the Illinois CANTS when applicable, as well as the Office of the Inspector General exclusionary screening.
• Has a valid driver's license, meet qualifications to operate agency vehicles, and have acceptable auto insurance coverage.

Experience and Skills:

1. Two years' experience working in a mental health setting is highly preferred.

2. Comprehensive knowledge of general nursing theory, practice and assessment skills with knowledge of psychological approaches and psychotropic medications. Has the ability to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services appropriate to the age and diagnosis of clients served.

3. Knowledge of involuntary hospitalization laws pertaining to mental impairment and substance abuse, and working knowledge of managed care concepts and practices.

4. Excellent communications and interpersonal skills. Ability to work cooperatively with staff and other services providers, and interface effectively and sensitively with clients and families.

5. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain composure under stress.

The incumbent for the Mental Health Nurse must be able to:

• Move about within the office/work setting.
• Use a computer and other office equipment.
• Communicate information and ideas so others will understand and receive information and ideas from others.
• Observe details.
• Travel to different work sites.
• Transport self to/from various locations.
• Work in a moderately noisy and distracting environment.
• Occasionally be required to balance, bend, stoop, or kneel.
• Occasionally be required to lift/move up to 20 pounds.
• Occasionally be required to work weekends or nights.
• Endure some mental stress due to the nature of the job and the volume of client contact.
• Remain awake during work hours.

EOE

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