Mental Health Nurse

Overview

NaphCare is hiring an experienced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse to join our team of medical professionals in the Julia Tutwiler in Wetumpka, AL.

As a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse, you will work alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to provide counseling and mental health care to the individuals in residence. This is a unique position where you can make a difference to this diverse population of patients with complex mental health and medical needs.

Responsibilities

The Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse works under the direct supervision of the Health Services Administrator (HSA), Director of Nursing (DON), and Psychiatric Provider(s) and is responsible for providing nursing care within the scope of the State Board of Nursing Practice in the mental health unit of the facility. Duties and responsibilities may include and are not limited to:

• Evaluating patients in a variety of settings, including the initial intake area, mental health care unit, emergency situations, housing units, medical housing areas, and segregation units
• Conducting mental health evaluations, including gathering psychosocial histories, administering psychological tests, and identifying mental health needs and risks
• Performing and documenting all patient history and vital signs, mental health screenings and/or evaluations, assist with examinations and/or treatments, and report all changes in patients’ conditions
• Utilizing all functions of our EHR, TechCare, for patient documentation to maintaining accurate and timely clinical records, progress notes, and other required documentation
• Participating in educational and training activities related to mental health care for patients, security personnel, and healthcare staff
• Assisting with evaluating the quality and effectiveness of the mental health services and assist in developing systems to ensure and monitor patient care and safety
• Collaborating with healthcare staff to provide the resolution of diagnostic and therapeutic problems and the implementation of effective solutions
• Working closely with other professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and correctional staff, to ensure effective and coordinated care
• Monitoring compliance with site-specific and company policies and procedures, taking appropriate corrective action, and ensuring compliance with ACA, NCCHC standards

Qualifications

Experience / Requirements / Qualifications

• Must be a Licensed Practical Nurse or a graduate of an accredited program for practical or vocational nursing
• Hold and maintain a current, unrestricted nursing license in the state of employment

• Must possess an active BLS/CPR Certification (AHA preferred)

• A minimum of 1 years’ clinical experience in a mental health care or acute care setting, with correctional healthcare experience preferred
• Must have knowledge and experience in the identification and treatment of mental health and co-occurring substance abuse disorders, discharge planning, principles of social work, basic principles of individual and group behavior, and a working knowledge of psychotropic medications
• Effective communications skills are required for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plan with other medical and mental health care professionals
• Strong organizational skills are needed to keep track of patient treatment plans and progress notes
• Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information and integrity, professionalism and ability to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements
• Be able to complete at least 12 hours of CEU pertinent to correctional health care annually
• Must pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening

Physical Capabilities:

Must have the ability to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, walk significant distances, and perform physically demanding tasks like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.

Why Join NaphCare?

NaphCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities throughout the US, and we are growing. If you have never considered a career in correctional healthcare, now may be the time. In addition to competitive salaries and generous employee benefits, we strongly support career advancement within the company.

NaphCare Benefits for Full-Time Employees Include:

• Health, dental & vision insurance that starts day one!
• Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one
• Lowest Cost Benefits!
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
• 401K and Roth with company contribution that starts day one!
• Tuition Assistance
• Referral bonuses
• Term life insurance at no cost to the employee
• Generous paid time off & paid holidays
• Free continuing education and CMEs

NaphCare has a partnership with NetCE that provides CEU/CME for our staff. NetCE uses a rigorous peer review process to ensure that all activities and content are up-to-date. This service streamlines continuing education for all NaphCare Employees to meet state specific requirements for maintaining licensing.

If you would like to speak with me to learn more about this position and NaphCare, apply directly to the position to initiate the application process, and I’ll be in touch.

Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran

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