Copper Hills Youth Center is a 197-bed private residential treatment center for adolescents 12-17 years of age. We counsel, teach and mentor children placed in our care and give each child a chance to make successful changes. We strive to improve lives and help children help themselves. At Copper Hills, we treat boys and girls who have emotional, behavioral and psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. We also specialize in caring for patients with Asperger’s syndrome. For youth with co-existing substance abuse problems, we offer weekly individualized therapy that focuses on education, recovery and abstinence. Our accredited private school allows students to continue their education while receiving treatment.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB

The Registered Nurse renders professional nursing care to clients within the treatment programs.  Practices ongoing client assessment, evaluation and update of client care through observation of physical and behavioral symptoms and communicates pertinent data to other service areas as needed.  Administers medications appropriately and documents all data accurately according to facility policy.  Participates in formulation of initial care plans for all clients and implements plan according to facility policy. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

 *Manages medication of clients by ensuring physician orders are implemented, evaluated and documented and by assuring proper administration of medication to each client.

 *Observes and reports the client’s signs, symptoms, and behaviors and any subsequent treatment and/or interventions and records same in the medical record according to facility policy.

 *Participates in client staffing meetings and contributes pertinent observations and knowledge to assist in updating and changes to the treatment plan.

 * Assesses the behavioral and medical needs of clients each shift.

 * Provides individual instruction to clients and their families concerning medications, health, and medical needs.

 *Participates in and/or supervises and documents special treatment procedures, progressive interventions and de-escalation of clients according to facility policy.

 *Demonstrates basic knowledge of adolescent emotional and mental health and disease concepts.  

 *Consistently meets facility and regulatory training requirements by attending all mandatory staff meetings and training sessions as required.

 *Assures cleanliness and orderliness of the nursing area and proactively assists in all security, maintenance, and safety functions as required for the overall facility to help maintain the physical environment to assure the safety of clients and staff.

 *Ensures compliance with all company policies, procedures, and other regulatory requirements by reporting any known or suspected violations to the supervisor or through other means identified in company policy.  Maintains confidentiality of all client records per program guidelines.

 *Provides timely, accurate, and professional documentation according to facility policy.

 *Projects a positive role model image for clients and colleagues by participating as a team member, cooperating with staff, demonstrating compromise and appropriate expression of opinions, and attending staff meetings as required. 

 *Maintains appropriate relationships with clients by treating them in a respectful manner at all times, by eliciting clients’ interest and cooperation, and by maintaining appropriate boundaries.

 *Ensures the right of all clients are observed and protected through the use of appropriate and respectful communication, proper de-escalation techniques, and correct physical restraint methods when necessary.

 *Takes and records patients' vital signs. Provides appropriate evidence-based nursing care as indicated.

 *Assesses residents and reports adverse reactions to medication or treatment to appropriate care providers.

 *Administers specified medication, orally or by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, and notes time and amount on patients' charts.

 *Collects samples, such as urine and sputum, from residents for testing.

 *Transcribes physicians' orders from charts. Transcribes medication administration records.

 *Communicates needs for medications from pharmacists and medical supplies from nursing supervisor.

 *Conducts sick call or treatment screening.

 *Documents all treatment by individual resident charting.

 *Assists physicians and psychiatrists with visits to facilities.

 *Schedules outside physician appointments for residents through the transportation department.

 *Administers first aid to staff and residents as required.

 *Performs required vision and hearing tests.

 *Performs new residents physicals, including TB testing, required inoculations, and compiles medical histories.

 *Administers Hepatitis B vaccines, TB testing, other vaccines and appropriate testing for employees as required by organization and/or governmental and contractual guidelines.

 *Counsels and educates residents on medical treatments and medications.

 *Obtains specific CHYC-provided certification as a Qualified Registered Nurse (QRN) in order to perform One Hour Face to Face Medical and Behavioral Evaluations after resident restraints and/or seclusions.