Behavioral Health Nurse I/II

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position provides direct patient care and assessment, as well as coordinates care between providers and interdisciplinary team members; assists patients in their recovery process by being person-centered and providing support towards optimal and realistic goals.  Serves under the general direction of the Behavioral Health Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Conducts behavioral health nursing assessments including: presenting problem, gathering information regarding history, symptoms, current and previous psychiatric medications, previous treatment or therapy, etc. Secures medication consent documents.
• Develops initial treatment recommendations; completes psychiatric appointment referral and scheduling as needed.
• Provides clinical nursing services to behavioral health including coordination with various providers, counselors, social workers, hospitals and physicians both internal and external to the organization and BH unit.
• Consults with staff psychiatrists in diagnosis, treatment planning, other provider coordination, medication prescriptions, administration, monitoring and scheduling.
• Monitors clients under psychiatrists  care including symptom assessment, response to medication, side or adverse effects, and documenting observations.
• Administers and monitors psychiatric medications, including injections; coordinates and consults with other providers including social workers, therapists, community caregivers, etc.  May involve picking up prescriptions/supplies and filling med planners.
• Coordinates with pharmacists, onsite and externally, to provide refills, current prescriptions and medication prior authorizations.
• Provides emergency services including assessing suicidal and/or homicidal individuals; makes decisions regarding safety.
• Responds to potential psychiatric emergencies by performing counseling and appropriate interventions including contacting medical staff, law enforcement, or arranging for hospitalization or admission.
• Performs triage work in various crisis situations by stabilizing the client until determination or plan of care is developed.
• Coordinates and consults as needed, with various internal and external staff to facilitate mental health treatment, planning, intervention; or admissions to various facilities.
• Provides ongoing case coordination with those involved in client's care.
• Consults with treatment team and attends client meetings; consults with professionals; collaborates with family members and other community partners.
• Maintains medical records as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Behavioral Health Nurse I

• Associate's degree from a nursing program accredited by the National Professional Nursing Accrediting Organization.
• Wisconsin Registered Nurse license required.
• Three years nursing experience in a health care or community support program, with focus on behavioral health preferred.
• Must successfully pass criminal and caregiver background check.

Behavioral Health Nurse II 

• Bachelor's degree from a nursing program accredited by the National Professional Nursing Accrediting Organization.
• Wisconsin Registered Nurse license required.
• Three years nursing experience in a health care or community support program, with focus on behavioral health preferred.
• Must successfully pass criminal and caregiver background check.