Specialty Requirements
- Degree
- Associate's Degree in Nursing
- Some Hospitals may hire you under the condition that you will get your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) within a designated amount of time.
- Certifications
Characteristics
- Observant
- Organizational skills
- Good communication skills
- Empathy
- Good listening skills
- Compassionate
- Level-headed
- Calm
- Adaptable
- Patient
A Day in the Life
- Shifts/settings:
- Acute care/mental health hospitals- three, 12 hour shifts
- Physician offices, public health facilities, mental health facilities and outpatient clinics- Monday-Friday 8-5 with on-call weekend and nights alternating shifts
- Patient Population
- any age pending on the facility/unit you choose to work in; most are separated into adolescent and then adult for those 18 and over
Job Responsibilities
- Conducts intake assessments; Plans and provides nursing care for patients; makes nursing diagnosis of the medical and emotional status of patients and recommends
treatment options; consults with psychiatrists and other behavioral health staff in aiding to design appropriate treatment plans; administers and notes reactions to psychotropic drugs and other medications; arranges further medical attention when needed; assists the patient in understanding the nature of emotional disturbances and accepting the need for treatment; assists in maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and patients; test for vital signs of pain and ensures treatments of pain; documents all patient information on medical charts and follows physician’s written orders; maintains patient confidentiality; maintains accurate records and documentation of patient treatments; performs administrative assignments such as filing, answering phones, typing, and completing progress notes in the computer system.