CSU Nurse

General Statement of Duties:

This crisis stabilization program is a short term, 7-bed intensive residential program staffed 24 hours a day to provide crisis services to individual with mental health and co-occurring disorders. Under the direction of the CSB Medical Prescriber the incumbent ensures the proper ordering, storage, delivery, and tracking of medications for residents of the CSU. Works in cooperation with other CSU staff. Participates with the CSU Team in planning and implementing the delivery of nursing care for residents of the CSU and in providing education and consultation to CSU residents, families, and staff regarding medication and health issues. This position includes assessing service needs, developing treatment plans and providing assistance with access to community resources. Incumbent assists in obtaining medication and monitors response to prescribed medications and ensures that the medical staff has accurate information about the consumer’s response and/or difficulties related to the medication. The incumbent is expected to exercise a high level of confidentiality regarding clients and services. Receives regular direct supervision from CSU Supervisor, however, direct oversight of medical duties is performed by CSU RN and/or Medical Prescriber. Assures compliance with agency policy, client rights, confidentiality, licensure regulations and Medicaid regulations as applicable.

This position is classified as non-exempt under provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Major Essential Functions:

• Assist in the safe storage, handling, and administration of IM and oral medications in compliance with state and federal law, departmental guidelines, and Community Services Board policy and procedure, as well as safe storage and handling of necessary medical supplies
• Prepares medication for regular delivery to client, checking medication orders for accuracy. Records medication delivery on log sheet in accordance with written procedures.
• Practices good venipuncture techniques and administers intramuscular injections under the direction of the medical prescriber.
• Provides basic medical assessment to consumers, including monitoring client vital signs.
• Monitors clients for the development of side effects of medications, reporting this to the prescriber and documenting such in the client case record.
• Assist with calling in medication ordered by prescriber to pharmacies as authorized by physician.
• Assist with arranging and coordinating laboratory testing as ordered by medical staff.
• Assist with obtaining prior authorizations from insurance companies for client medications as ordered by the physician or nurse practitioner.
• Assists in providing therapeutic interventions in both individual and group settings to persons who are in crisis due to their mental health status.
• Completes medical admission process and medical discharge process for individuals being admitted to or discharged from the program; including to ensure that consumers are discharged with adequate supplies of medication and resources to obtain continued supplies.
• Assists residents with daily living tasks as needed, including general facility upkeep, laundry, meal preparation, and transportation.
• Responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of the medication room and other program areas on a routine basis.
• Provides medication, health, and wellness education on an individual and group basis to residents of the facility as part of the expectation for Health Literacy Counseling which must be provided by an RN/LPN or Licensed/LE.
• Responds to emergency situations that occur and appropriately involves other providers, including other program staff, agency emergency services staff, emergency medical services, and law enforcement, as needed.
• Accurately completes clinical documentation and other paperwork as required.
• Documents client contacts and maintains client records in accordance with established Board policy and procedure.
• Makes effective use of available technology, including computers, e-mail, and voice mail in order to enhance customer service.
• Maintains effective relationships with co-workers and customers based on courtesy, compassion, and respect.
• Is responsible for other duties as assigned, consistent with established Board policy.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of nursing.
• Adherence to the code of ethics of the nursing profession.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques involved in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with mental health, and co-occurring disorders both individually and in a group setting.
• Knowledge of mental health, substance abuse and co-occurring, treatment interventions both individually and in a group setting.
  • Ability to problem-solve and respond quickly to crisis situations. Ability to function calmly in stressful situations.
• Basic knowledge about mental illness and the use of psychotropic medication in its treatment.
• The ability to assess both general health problems and medication side effects.
• Ability to organize and attend to detail in the delivery of medication.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to deal positively and constructively with changes and new challenges.
• Demonstrated good judgment, and the ability to work with considerable autonomy.
• The ability to work comfortably with a wide diversity of both professional staff and clients is required.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or nursing school with a degree or diploma in practical nursing, current licensure as an LPN in the Commonwealth of Virginia, plus three years of nursing experience and/or experience working with mental health clients, OR any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Preferred eligibility to register as a QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) or QMHP-eligible with the State of Virginia. Staff member is responsible for submitting proof of license renewal to the Human Resources office.

Additional Requirements:

• Mandt Training
• CPR Certification
• AED Training

Other Information:

Equipment: Standard nursing equipment, telephone; computer hardware and software as required, misc. household appliances (i.e. washer/dryer, stove, dishwasher)

Work Environment : Residential setting with normal lighting levels, temperature, air quality, ventilation, and noise levels.

Work Location: 1353 N. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Work Hazards: Standard hazards associated with a mental health treatment environment. Standard hazards associated with human service residential environment including hazards associated with problem behaviors; behaviors and hazards associated with necessary use of medical procedures. Use of universal precautions required. Use of protective equipment recommended.

Work Schedule: CSU is a 24-Hour program and flexibility is required in order to meet and respond to coverage needs and individual residents’ needs. Shifts will vary to meet the needs of the program. Full-time employees are required to work 40 Hours each week. Regular attendance is expected.

Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board Is A Leading Provider in Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Developmental Services. We are one of 40 community-based public providers of mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disability services throughout Virginia. The Commonwealth has designated the 40 CSBs as the single point of entry into publicly funded behavioral health and developmental services. HRCSB is supported through local, state and federal funds. We provide an array of programs and supports directly and through partnerships with other providers.