Position Summary Provides professional nursing care under supervision for assigned patients in the gero-psychiatric setting. Position Accountability Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental, and infection control standards. Consistently follows established protocols and procedures. Administers medications and accounts for narcotics, supervises and assists in acute medical situations, assists in special medical procedures, performs specialized nursing functions, and documents patient progress toward established goals. Monitors medical condition of patients and reports changes to appropriate personnel. Recognizes changes in patient condition and asks appropriate questions to clarify situation. Reports accurate results to achieve the best possible patient care. Implements crisis intervention measures when indicated, including behavioral and group counseling, suicide and escape precautions, and controlling aggressive behavior. Effectively identifies predictable problems and plans and provides patient care. Researches all available options and makes appropriate recommendations. Ensures that appropriate equipment and supplies are prepared. Recognizes psychological limits of patients and adjusts care accordingly. Provides direct patient care for geriatric patients, using knowledge/skills of the unique requirements of this age group to ensure optimal patient care. Recognizes changes in patient condition and asks appropriate questions to clarify the situation. Provides appropriate, direct patient care in assigned area(s). Assists physicians with examinations, procedures, and other processes related to direct patient care. Positions patient according to established procedures appropriate to the age of the patient. Ensures that appropriate equipment and supplies are prepared. Consults with physicians, nursing personnel and other members of the multidisciplinary team to develop optimal treatment plans for patients requiring psychological treatment. Consults with other staff including physicians and outside agencies to implement discharge planning. Communicates with physicians and other community services on a regular basis for planning and coordination of care. Transcribes, implements, and follows through on doctors' orders, including treatments, medications, lab work, and consultation requests. Transcribes physician's orders as written. Receives and correctly transcribes prescription orders from physicians and other authorized prescribers. Ensures accurate and timely maintenance of patients' medical records and that patient records are treated as confidential information. Demonstrates sensitivity to patients' comfort and privacy and expresses interest in their progress. Monitors emotional stability of patients and reports changes to physician or charge nurse. Provides care to patients in a manner that considers safety, comfort, and the therapeutic environment. Monitors medical condition of patients and reports changes to appropriate hospital personnel. Recognizes changes in patient condition and asks appropriate questions to clarify situation. Reports accurate results to achieve the best possible patient care. Performs basic nursing procedures including thermal applications, non-sterile soaks, and application of simple dressings, perennial care, and urine tests. Orients, instructs, and trains assigned personnel. Serves as a resource to co-workers. Communicates technical information in a manner appropriate for the intended audience. Follows policies and procedures regarding attendance and work hours. Demonstrates flexibility in working hours and days scheduled in order to meet the needs of the hospital. Works scheduled shifts. Reports to work on time. Attends required number of staff meetings per year. Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.