Warm Hand Off Registered Nurse

Summary:

The Warm Hand Off Registered Nurse (RN) works within the Wellness Clinic Department with patients who are facing mental health or substance use disorder problems. S/he is a vital part in increasing patient access to all Brain Health services (mental/behavioral health and substance abuse). The RN will have specialized knowledge about physical symptoms related to substance abuse and mental health diagnosis such as tremors, heart palpitations.

 The RN provides support and assistance to medical providers and coordinates direct patient care while facilitating patient flow between La Maestra Medical departments and the Wellness Clinic. The RN is responsible for direct and indirect patient care, assessment and education. S/he participates in the case management of high risk or complex clinical patients and monitors tracking systems. The RN works collaboratively with other health and social agencies to provide continuity of care.

Responsibilities:

1.  Assesses patients for urgency of needs and prioritizes by acuity in a professional and friendly manner.
2. Explains procedures and treatments to patient to gain cooperation, understanding, and allay apprehension.
3. Works with substance abuse counselors, Mental Health Clinicians, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners.
4. Provides support to recovering patients.
5. Educates patients and family members about substance use treatment and ways to help the patients stay sober.
6. Prepares Equipment and administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques.     
7. Observes patient, records significant conditions and reactions, and notifies supervisor or Physician of patient's condition and reaction to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.
8. Takes temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs to detect deviations from normal and assess condition of patient.
9. Responds to life saving situations based upon nursing. standards, policies, procedures, and protocol.
10. Participates in department or unit quality improvement activities.
11. Assures quality of care by adhering to therapeutic standards; measuring health outcomes against patient care goals and standards; making or recommending necessary adjustments; following hospital and nursing division's philosophies and standards of care set by state board of nursing, state nurse practice act, and other governing agency regulations.
12. Supervises Medical Assistants, Case Managers and oversees all Department activities.
13. Assists in adhering to all regulatory requirements and guidelines.
14. Agrees to travel to other sites to cover the RN as needs require.

Job Requirements:

Education Required: Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing. Bachelor of Science degree preferred.  

Certification required: Current valid CA Registered Nurse License. Current valid CPR certification.

Experience: Two to four years related experience and/or training in the field of Substance Abuse or Mental Health; or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

Verbal and Written Skills to perform the job: Bilingual preferred. Familiarity with basic word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Accurate on keyboarding skills.

Technical knowledge and skills required to perform the job: Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills and the demonstrated ability to work with diverse individuals and groups. Demonstrate high levels of self-initiation and direction. Knowledge of communities we serve. Knowledge and experience working in medical settings and interacting collaboratively with medical teams. Skill in analyzing situations and making timely decisions.

Physical and Mental Requirements: Work involves sitting, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

La Maestra Community Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or any other protected class, political affiliation or belief.