NATURE OF WORK
This is specialized licensed practical nursing work for a County substance abuse, behavioral health, or other County mental health program.
Duties are performed in accordance with established nursing standards, state and federal rules and regulations and established County and division policies and procedures. This classification may report to a Registered Nurse or other clinical superior, depending upon area of assignment, who will assess, evaluate, and monitor job performance through observation and monitoring of job performance and review of medical records.
ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS
May perform medical, psychiatric and/or substance abuse screening as appropriate to the area of assignment.
Renders practical nursing and health support services to program patients or clients.
Monitors client behavior and general health. Reports and records status. May take vital signs and record them on patient charts.
Works from the orders directed by a physician; notes and takes off orders; administers medications and records them on the charts.
Provides personal care assistance to service recipients, clients or patients as needed.
As required by the area of assignment, informs a clinical superior, e.g., a Registered Nurse or Medical Director of any patient concerns that may warrant further medical and/or psychiatric intervention.
May assess and evaluate patients in order to recommend to a clinical superior whether or not they require referral to other health care facilities.
Follows agency procedures for control, storage and administration of medications and for ordering of medical supplies.
Interfaces with other internal and external health care providers for coordination of care.
May provide basic health education to patients or clients and to work team members.
May conduct client home and community visits as required for the area of assignment.
May supervise the work of ancillary staff.
May assist in training ancillary staff.
May function as facilitator for health education groups.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Knowledge of modern psychiatric nursing practices and procedures.
Knowledge of nutrition, personal hygiene, and infection control as needed for the area of assignment.
Knowledge of how to administer prescribed medications and treatments as directed.
Knowledge of public health laws, JCAHO standards, federal confidentiality laws (42CFR, 45CFR), and state regulations (65D-30) as required for the area of assignment.
Ability to establish therapeutic relationships with patients.
Ability to understand the special physiological and psychological needs of substance abuse patients or other patients or clients as needed for the area of assignment.
Ability to administer prescribed medications and treatments as directed.
Ability to effectively work in an inter-disciplinary team.
Ability to triage substance abuse and co-occurring disorder patients or other patients as needed for the area of assignment.
Ability to make technical and visual observations of patients.
Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of BrowardCounty's Ethics and Conflict of Interest policies.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or political affiliation.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Graduation from high school or equivalent and completion of course work form an accredited program of practical nurse education and six (6) months of experience in psychiatric, mental health, or behavioral health nursing and six (6) months of experience in substance abuse nursing, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Licensed as a practical nurse by the State of Florida and current CPR certification at time of hire. Depending upon area of assignment, may be required to have and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license and to obtain and maintain authorization to drive on County business.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Bargaining Unit: White Collar
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Code of Ethics Certification: No
Work Locations: Substance Abuse and Health Care Services, Human Services
Department
Class Spec. Estab ./Revised: E4/81 R10/04