Careers & Internships

POSITION SUMMARY

The Registered Nurse is responsible for providing direct patient care to inpatients. Supervising care treatment and services of patient care provided by LPNs, CNAs and other staff on assigned unit and shift. Developing, implementing and evaluating an individual plan of care for each patient. Assessment and re-assessment of patients. Communicating appropriate information with the interdisciplinary team. Reporting patient concerns and changes in condition to supervisor and/or physician in a timely manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduate from an accredited school of professional nursing required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Licensure: Currently licensed to practice by the Colorado State Board of Nursing.

Additional Requirements: CPR certification, successful completion of Handle with Care (HWC) training, including appropriate use of Seclusion and Restraint, prior to assisting in a restraining procedure. Pass a medication administration exam prior to administering any medications and complete a basic age specific competency exam and age specific training within 30 days of employment.

Experience:

• Computer experience
• Good organizational skills
• Good communication skills
• Must have a working knowledge of office and medical equipment.

Note : In support of PVBH’s quality requirements, we require a post-offer drug screen, physical, criminal background review and conduct original source verification of degrees/certifications of all candidates.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

THESE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS ARE CATEGORIZED UNDER THE JOINT COMMISION STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE.

Leadership

• Inspires, Motivates and Leads a Culture of Change
• Commits to a broader purpose and aligns personal visions to achieve company initiatives.
• Leads by example through daily behavior.
• Instills a sense of ownership.
• Accepts change in a positive manner

Quality

• Ensures Service Excellence
• Undertakes assignments and creates opportunities to create excellent patient care.
• Respects and considers patient/customer privacy during all interactions.
• Asks probing questions when patients indicate discomfort or dissatisfaction.
• Responds to complaints or concerns with compassion and follows through in seeking resolution.
• Considers patient safety and takes initiative to identify and eliminate risks for patients (e.g. by reporting any broken equipment or wiping up spills as soon as identified).
• Facilitates and provides patient safety in all interactions.
• Respects and considers patient preference and goals when planning and delivering patient care.
• Considers patient comfort and need to control pain when planning and delivering patient care.
• Considers patient comfort and function by identifying and providing the proper equipment and fit to patients.
• Provides strategies to reduce risk and educates patients, families and the team in those strategies.
• Promptly responds to the needs of patients, patient’s families, staff and physicians.
• Supports other departments in meetings and communications with staff and patients.
• Communicates and collaborates with other departments to coordinate care and promptly resolve patient concerns and complaints.
• Continuously Improves Processes
• Collaborates with physicians, management, hospital staff and Quality teams to implement performance improvement plans.
• Continuously improves processes.
• Participates in nursing department performance improvement activities,
• Collaborates with physicians, management, hospital staff and Quality teams to implement performance improvement plans.
• Contributes to the change process to improve quality and safety through training, education, communication, collaboration, innovation and execution.

Compliance

• Ensures Performance to State/Federal Regulations, Accrediting Bodies, Employment Laws, Regulatory Guidelines.
• Enforces Standards of Business Conduct
• Ensures that procedures for internal controls are properly executed.
• Monitors self-performance for compliance with standards of business conduct.
• Holds self and others accountable for performing standards of conduct.
• Maintains current licensure and certifications.

Business Knowledge

• Effectively Uses Policies & Procedures
• Implements policies, procedures and plans in providing direct patient care.
• Communicates with co-workers on the existence of policies and educates on roles and responsibilities.
• Holds staff on assigned shift accountable for following established policies and procedures.
• Possesses job knowledge
• Completes patient assessments daily and when changes in patient condition arises.
• Documents changes in patient condition and takes appropriate actions.
• Correctly conducts patient care activities in a safe and timely manner.
• Is familiar with and aware of health care operations appropriate to role.
• Administers medications following appropriate storage, security, retrieval and administrations regulations.
• Possesses knowledge base about mental health and functions as a resource for staff when they have questions or need assistance.
• Is familiar with and understands how to navigate the organization and to utilize its resources effectively.
• Demonstrates competence in achievement of clinical and non-clinical tasks.
• Works effectively with others to achieve performance objectives.
• Effectively Uses Technology
• Participates in online learning opportunities.
• Navigates the internet to access information.
• Future Growth and Community Involvement
• Recognizes opportunities for growth within position or department as they arise such as new programs or procedures to enhance patient care provided on the unit.
• Participates in the community.
• Actively supports events and promotes goodwill for the company.
• Is involved in local associations such as nursing, mental health and infection control as applicable.

Interpersonal Skills

• Manages Internal and External Business Relationships
• Demonstrates approachable attitude by accepting constructive criticism and listens actively to complaints and concerns.
• Fosters an atmosphere congruent with hospital standards and guidelines to promote positive relationships and create interdisciplinary task forces for improving relationships.
• Communicates Effectively
• Uses verbal and nonverbal skills to support the intended message.
• Listens actively by confirming what is heard and shows nonverbal signs of attention.
• Use clear, concise grammar, filtering out emotion or bias.
• Writes well when using electronic means.
• Promotes Teamwork
• Provides inspiration, enthusiasm, energy, motivation, and direction to employees to achieve success.
• Follows up and follows through to achieve results within team.
• Leads Problem Resolution
• Creates an environment where staff can quickly identify and solve problems using facts and data to completely understand the situation.
• Serves as a mediator to address areas of conflict to reach mutually acceptable resolutions.
• Proactively seeks solutions to issues by using professional resources including supervisor, department director, human resources, administration and corporate office staff.
• Educates self by researching data, gathering and reviewing historical data.
• Evaluates effects of decisions after implementing.
• Manages Crisis
• Demonstrates clarity and calmness to reassure patients and staff responding with complete and accurate information to questions and concerns.
• Takes action quickly by coordinating resources to mitigate impact of crisis.
• Recognizes and contacts internal and external resources to assist in situation.
• Evaluates and coordinates alternative actions for unforeseen circumstances.

Management Skills

• Organizes, Plans and Manages Time Effectively
• Plans daily to be proactively and reactively effective
• Organizes and delegates workload, projects, tasks, paperwork and schedules.
• Sets Clear Goals
• Serves as a charge nurse when assigned.
• Develops and communicates specific measurable and attainable performance goals for self and assigned staff.
• Develops Staff
• Identifies training needs and resources for staff with supervisor.
• Exhibits leadership to coach and develop staff.
• Efficiently Utilizes Resources
• Understands what resources are available.
• Seeks system-wide and external resources.
• Appropriately allocates labor resources.

Performance Accountability

• Demonstrates Professionalism
• Reports to work on time for scheduled shifts and remains for the duration of all scheduled shifts.
• Exhibits a courteous, conscientious and professional demeanor in the workplace.
• Keeps a level head in emotional situations.
• Conforms to accepted professional standards of conduct with a set of moral principles and values.

Positive Workplace Attitude

• Exhibits Energy, Initiative, Loyalty and Respect
• Exhibits a high level of eagerness for the job, the hospital, staff and company.
• Is inventive and resourceful by enacting ideas and suggestions for improvement.
• Displays ingenuity, originality and creativity in proposing alternatives to the status quo.
• Is reliable and follows through with actions.
• Demonstrates trustworthiness.
• Identifies areas of concern and takes necessary steps to initiate solution.
• Participates in an environment in which the full range of individual differences are recognized and respected.

Personal Growth and Development

• Demonstrates Versatility & Seeks to Grow Individually
• Accepts modifications to routine activities without resistance.
• Possesses versatility to function in a wide range of situations and environments.
• Is able to identify personal strengths and weaknesses.
• Assesses successful and unsuccessful experiences
• Takes advantage of learning opportunities both structured and unstructured, to improve effectiveness in all aspects of job performance.

Safety Management

• Practice standard precautions and environmental safety guidelines.
• Follow, implement, all safety policies and procedures during actual or staffed safety emergencies.
• Adhere to all facility safety management policies, including maintain compliance with environment of care modules.
• Review all risk management occurrences and ensure that complete and timely reports are submitted to the Risk Manager.
• Ensure that the physical environment of the work area is monitored for safety, cleanliness, and attractive appearance and all deficiencies are reported to the department manager.

Communications/ Relations with Others

• Utilizes appropriate methods to cope with stressful situations.
• Demonstrates a professional attitude and supports the objectives of the Facility’s marketing and guest relations philosophy through internal and external communications and interaction with all levels of staff, patients, family members, guest and community and referral sources.
• Accepts constructive criticism and integrates suggestions in effective ways.
• Works harmoniously with others to inspire teamwork and cooperation.

Education Development

• Attend all mandatory facility in-service and staff development activities as scheduled.
• Complete annual updating of competency file.
• Identify personal learning needs to assist with staff development and assist with planning and teaching staff development programs, as assigned.

Additional Standards.

• Ensure compliance with The Joint Commission, federal and state regulatory requirement.
• Serve on hospital wide committees as assigned.
• Accept responsibility for professional growth and development.
• Maintain confidentiality of facility employees and patient information.

NOTE: The essential job functions of this position are not limited to the duties listed above..

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND SPECIAL DEMANDS

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES HOW AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION CURRENTLY PERFORMS THE FUNCTIONS OF THIS POSITION. MODIFICATIONS TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THIS JOB MAY BE PERFORMED WILL BE REVIEWED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.

1. May be required to work weekdays and/or weekends, evenings and/or night shifts as needed to meet deadlines

2. May be required to work on religious and/or national holidays for scheduled shifts

3. Will be required to work as necessary during disaster situations.

4. May be required to stay after scheduled shift to assist after a disaster situation until relief arrives

5. Regular attendance and reporting on time to work is a requirement of position.

• Ability to lift, lower, push, pull and retrieve objects weighing a minimum of 30 pounds which includes patient mobility activities.

7. Ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English

8. Ability to coordinate, analyze, observe, make decisions and meet deadlines in a detail-oriented manner

9. Ability to communicate effectively in writing including email

10. Ability to use general office equipment such as telephone, copier, fax, calculator and computer

11. Ability to work independently without supervision

• Ability to move continuously is required in the completion of job requirements.
• Ability to operate machinery and equipment as listed below.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, kneel, balance, push pull, and twist.
• Ability to see well enough to read handwritten and typewritten material.
• Ability to hear sound with or without correction.
• Visual acuity is needed for accurate reading of documents.

18. Visual acuity and ability to communicate sufficiently to conduct safe patient care duties.

• Ability to handle a variety of repetitive tasks.
• Ability to respond appropriately to exposure to blood and bodily fluids.
• Ability to stand for long periods, up to 12 hours.
• Ability to use both hands in fine and gross manipulation of small tools (i.e., copier, computer, telephone, typewriter, calculator, safe, facsimile machine).
• Processing paper and newly admitted patient’s belongings.
• Ability to retrieve files from bottom shelves and drawers and the ability to move boxes of paper and forms to the computer printer (done up to 15 times per day).
• Ability to reach, turn and twist above and below the waist daily to retrieve supplies from top shelves to get supplies from upper shelves in supply closet (done up to 20 times per day).
• Ability to stand and walk daily to retrieve forms/ supplies for other departments.
• Ability to hear and speak well enough to answer and communicate on the facility switchboard, if required to do so.

28. Work in an indoor temperature controlled environment with occasional outdoor exposure

29. Work in a smoke-free environment

30. Exposure to blood and bodily fluids may be required

31. Handicapped accessibility

32. May work under stressful circumstances at times

• Ability to work in environment of continuous moderate voices and office machine noise typical for business office atmosphere.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER WORK AIDES:

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES THOSE MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER WORK AIDES AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION MUST BE ABLE TO USE.

• Computer and various software packages and proprietary programs including word processing, database, spreadsheet and HMS.
• Medical Equipment
• Telephone and paging systems
• Copy machine
• Policies, procedures, plans, and program manuals
• Fax machine

To learn more or apply, please visit our Indeed.com page.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mental Health Tech/CNA functions as an active part of the treatment team, providing continuous patient care, supervision, interaction, and role modeling to patients ranging in age from preschool through geriatrics depending on which unit worked. Mental Health Techs work under the direction of a Registered Nurse.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school graduate or equivalent.College courses from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, counseling, recreational therapy or appropriate therapeutic discipline preferred.

Experience: One (1) year previous related experience or Bachelors Degree in a related behavioral health field preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion and timely renewal of CPR/AED Certification for The Health Care Provider
• Successful completion and timely renewal of Handle with Care (HWC) training during new employee orientation and prior to assisting in a restraining procedure.
• Shifts are 12 hours
• May be required to work overtime and flexible hours.
• One weekend day required

Note : In support of PVBH’s quality requirements, we require a post-offer drug screen, physical, criminal background review and conduct original source verification of degrees/certifications of all candidates.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

Assessment

1. Take and record vital signs properly.

2. Utilize sound judgment during assessment and observe and document any changes in a patient’s appearance, behavior or ability to work toward treatment plan goals.

3. Communicate changes in patient’s condition to the charge nurse.

Treatment Planning

1. Follow the therapeutic interventions outlined by the treatment team for each patient.

2. Ensure awareness of patient’s individualized plan of care including goals and interventions.

3. Provide information to the charge nurse that assists in the development and revision of the treatment plan.

4. Document the treatment plan, nursing interventions and the patient’s response to the intervention.

Intervention

1. Ensure intervention is based on the patient’s plan of care.

2. Employ appropriate crisis intervention techniques as needed.

3. Employ facility approved Handle With Care (HWC) techniques as necessary.

4. Assist patients through the discharge process.

5. Assist patients with personal hygiene and activities of daily living.

Milieu Management

1. Comply with the established policies and procedures requiring a safe, clean and therapeutic environment.

2. Practice universal precautions and environmental safety guidelines.

3. Recognize and respond to priorities in patient care responsibilities.

4. Supervise and assist patients in all patient areas.

5. Check patients for contraband and manage the patient’s valuables and belongings.

6. Report potential crisis situations to the nurse in charge and respond in an appropriate fashion.

7. Ensure patient safety through continuous supervision of patient.

8. Establish and maintain a professional therapeutic relationship with patients.

Teaching

1. Teach the patient proper hygiene and ensure adherence to hygiene methods.

2. Carry out teaching activities identified in the treatment plan under the supervision of the Program Manager.

3. Model and teach appropriate social skills.

4. Re-enforce the importance of medication compliance and monitor activity of compliance.

5. Orient patients to their unit and program, providing continuous guidance as needed.

Performance

1. Assume responsibilities for the completion of all patient care responsibilities and other assigned duties.

2. Act as the patient’s advocate and assure that patient’s rights are upheld.

3. Comply with established measures for infection control, OSHA regulations, and risk management.

4. Comply with the Employee Code of Ethics.

5. Adhere to all facility and personnel policies and procedures.

6. Participate in continuous Performance Improvement activities.

Specific Standards for the Care of Adolescent Patients Ages 12 through 18
1. Maintain knowledge of the Adolescent Program rules, protocols and handbooks guidelines.

2. Assess patients for behaviors consistent with the developmental stages and makes note of any deviations in behavior.

3. Recognize acting out behavior of adolescent specific age group and set appropriate limits in clear, concise, behavioral and non-judgmental terms based on the age of the patient.

4. Demonstrate an awareness of learning disabilities and translates treatment/program expectations to the learning-disabled adolescent.

5. Relate to adolescent patients in an age appropriate manner.

6. Utilize seclusion and restraint procedures with an understanding of the need for modification in regard to smaller body sizes of adolescents, abandonment issues and the history of physical and/or sexual abuse issue.

7. Act as a resource to other staff in regard to the Adolescent Patient Programs.

Specific Standards for the Care of Adult Patients Ages 19 through 64
1. Gather information from the patient, family and interdisciplinary team and use judgments based on knowledge of adult behaviors in treatment planning and interventions.

2. Recognize behaviors and set appropriate limits in clear, concise, behaviors and non-judgmental terms.

3. Utilize seclusion/restraint procedures applicable to adult body size and past history of violent or emotional behaviors.

4. Maintain current knowledge of the Adult Program rules, protocols and handbook guidelines.

5. Utilize theoretical concepts to guide the effective practice of adult care within Specific Standards of Care for this age group.

Specific Standards for the Care of Geriatric Patients Ages 65 and older
1. Maintain knowledge of the developmental tasks and sociological theories of aging.

2. Utilize theoretical concepts to guide the effective practice of gerontological health care and behavioral care.

3. Gather the appropriate information from the patient, family and interdisciplinary team and use therapeutic judgments based on knowledge of gerontological health/behavioral care practices to develop a comprehensive plan of care.

4. Utilize interventions based on gerontological theory to restore patient’s functional capabilities and to prevent complications and excess disability.

5. Maintain a complete knowledge of treatments, medications and side effects of such in the geriatric age group.

1. Maintain confidentiality of facility employees and patient information.

2. Complies with established measures for infection control, OSHA regulations, and risk management.

3. Complies with all facility policies and procedures related to ethical practices and conduct.

4. Adhere to all facility and personnel policies and procedures.

5. Ensure timely renewal of all job requirements, i.e., licensure, CPR, CPI, TB screening, etc.

Safety Management
1. Practice standard precautions and environmental safety guidelines.

2. Follows/implements all safety policies and procedures during actual or staged safety emergencies (fire, tornado, disaster, etc.).

3. Adhere to all facility safety management policies, including maintaining compliance with environment of care modules.

4. Ensure that the physical environment of the area is monitored for safety, cleanliness, and attractive appearance and all deficiencies are corrected in a timely manner.

Note: The essential job functions of this position are not limited to the duties listed above.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES WHAT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION SHOULD CURRENTLY POSSESS. THIS LIST MAY NOT BE COMPLETE FOR ALL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION.

1. Knowledge of all code procedures.

2. Knowledge of personal hygiene training techniques.

3. Knowledge of psychiatric care techniques.

4. Knowledge of assault behavior management techniques.

5. Thorough knowledge and training in CPR.

6. Knowledge of admitting procedures.

7. Knowledge of patient charting.

8. Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.

9. Skill in telephone etiquette and paging procedures.

10. Effective oral and written communication skills.

11. Ability to communicate effectively with patients and co-workers.

12. Ability to adhere to safety policies and procedures.

13. Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.

14. Ability to work as a team player.

15. Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.

16. Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.

17. Ability to recognize the importance of adapting to the various patient age groups (adolescent, adult and geriatric).

18. Ability to participate in all aspects of patient care management.

19. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

20. Ability to meet corporate deadlines.

21. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, MENTAL, AND SPECIAL DEMANDS:

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES HOW AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION CURRENTLY PERFORMS THE FUNCTIONS OF THIS POSITION. MODIFICATIONS TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THIS JOB MAY BE PERFORMED WILL BE REVIEWED ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.

1. Ability to stand sit or walk up to six hours, sit for up to two hours.

2. Ability to move frequently is required in the delivery of patient care.

3. Visual acuity is needed for accurate reading of patient charts and for demonstrating activities or

assisting patients in activities.

4. Ability to spend 20% of the work day outdoors in temperatures varying from 30°-100°F and 80% of the

5. work day indoors in temperatures varying from 60°-85°F.

6. Ability to occasionally push/pull wheeled carts from 200 lbs. (i.e., crash cart, EKG machine, patient on

stretchers or in wheelchairs).

7. Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 10 lbs… (i.e. juices, charts, patient’s belongings) and

occasionally lift and carry up to 100 lbs. (a patient).

8. Ability to frequently reach above, at or below shoulder height (obtain supplies, reach in cabinets, use

refrigerator), kneel, bend, stoop, turn, twist.

9. Ability to frequently handle, through gross and fine manipulations, simple grasping, twisting and

fingering of small objects (telephone buttons, thermometers with both hands).

10. Ability to operate a van in a safe manner.

11. Ability to see well enough to read written material and discern a variety of odors.

12. Ability to occasionally handle hazardous/infectious waste.

13. Ability to work in an environment where the noise level is frequently high; where chemicals are

frequently used for cleaning; where mechanical and electrical hazards may be occasionally present; and where dust, mist and steam are frequently generated in housekeeping tasks.

14. Ability to work at a rapid pace and tolerate a variety of repetitive tasks.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER WORK AIDES:

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES THOSE MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER WORK AIDES AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION MUST BE ABLE TO USE.

1. Medical and nursing equipment and supplies

2. Telephone and paging systems

3. Art equipment and supplies

4. Gym equipment and supplies

5. Policies, procedures, plans, and program manuals

To learn more or apply, please visit our Indeed.com page.