Mental Health Registered Nurse (RN PCMHI)

Provide nursing care based on physician, mid-level provider and CBOC Clinic Manager’s orders, to meet the needs (physical, mental, and emotional) of patients.  

Conduct patient work-ups for medication management by the Mental Health provider.  

Manage mental health care for Veterans in coordination with the Mental Health team.  

Complete mental health reminders and documentation during patient visits.  

Perform EKGs for the medication management Mental Health provider, as needed.  

Triage and screen Veterans contacting the clinic via phone, walk-in, or secure messages for mental health concerns.  

Accept warm hand-offs from Primary Care for Veterans needing additional mental health screening and evaluation.  

Supervise support staff, if applicable, in delivery of care to patients.  

Lead and participate in PACT team huddles.  

Work with the Primary Care Physician (PCP) to ensure the clinic is adequately staffed for quality care delivery and the promotion of continuity of care between the VAMC and the clinic.  

Maintain universal precautions and infection control practices.  

Supervise medical assistants and/or licensed practical nurses who obtain initial information from patients (i.e.: vital signs, symptoms, and complaints) through interviewing patients and reviewing record.  

Prepare patients for examination and assist the PACT Provider upon request.  

Provide smooth and timely flow of patients in accordance with the VA access standards and triage protocol.  

Demonstrate, understand and perform triage activities for all walk-in patients and medical phone inquiries.  

Administer medications per facility protocols, as prescribed by provider,  

Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and assist during respiratory and cardiac arrest procedures.  

Perform a range of nursing procedures, including dressing changes, suture removal, oxygen administration, wound irrigations, catheterizations, and venipunctures.  

Prepare patients for laboratory procedures by providing information and instructions.  

Set up and operate therapeutic and emergency equipment, including monitor, Electrocardiogram (FAG), oxygen, and portable suction.  

Document all pertinent patient information in their medical records and Veteran Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VISTA) to demonstrate quality care delivery and promote continuity of care.  

Keep the VISTA clinic reminder tracking system current for each enrolled patient.  

Assist in scheduling patients for initial and follow-up appointments in accordance to the VA access standards and the patient's medical necessity.  

Keep patient informed regarding their plan of care, including lab and diagnostic test results as needed.  

Provide health materials, resources and education to patients and their families for informational purposes according to need and learning capacity.  

Assist the providers, as required, in ensuring all patient information on electronic encounter documentation is complete and accurate.  

Participate in the ongoing Performance Improvement Program between its Subcontractor(s) and the VAMC.  

Ensure that all required reports, clinical and administrative documentation is completed in an accurate, timely and complete fashion.  

Participate in the management of day to day CBOC operations.  

Comply with all federal, state, local, Joint Commission Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Veteran Affairs, Subcontractor safety and operational regulations, directives and standards.  

Maintain confidentiality of all information and support patients' privacy, rights, and safety.  

Perform the duties of the CBOC Clinic Manager when he/she is absent (if applicable).  

Perform other work-related duties as assigned.  

Three years of experience in Medical Surgical Unit, Outpatient Facility, Primary Care and/ or Adult Health preferred. One to three years of mental health experience preferred.   

Retain current and unrestricted nursing license in Mississippi.    

Retain current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/ Basic Life Support (BLS) from AHA or MTN.  

Knowledge of and ability to apply professional nursing principles, procedures, and techniques.  

Ability to assess patient condition, recognize adverse signs and symptoms, and react swiftly in emergency situations.  

Ability to set realistic, measurable education goals for patients, taking into consideration patient/family needs, level of understanding and available local resources.  

Ability to develop and provide individualized and group counseling, guidance, and health instruction with the focus on disease prevention and health maintenance.  

Ability to teach patients and/or families proper home health care activities, such as giving injections, taking blood pressures, changing wound dressings, etc.  

Knowledge of pharmacological agents used in patient treatment, including desired effects, side effects, complications, and patient usage considerations.  

Knowledge of the basic concepts of customer service techniques related to age-specific population.  

Effective verbal and written communication skills along with proper telephone etiquette.  

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Software, Electronic Medical Records and computer maneuverability.  

Knowledge of pharmacology.  

Must have exceptional diplomatic communication skills and experience in handling difficult customer situations.   

Must be detail oriented and have the ability to multi-task.