Performs a nursing assessment and initial plan of care within 8 hours of patient's admission. Orients/educates patient regarding hospitalization. Documents in the medical record according to established policies. Maintains current knowledge of medication policies and practices, including side effects, dosage, and patient response. Completes medication administration safely and accurately, including transcription, administration, and documentation according to established policies. Demonstrates a working knowledge of DSM IV diagnosis as evidenced by individual, group, and milieu therapeutic interventions. Manages crisis situations effectively using positive approaches. Adheres to Nursing Standards and Policies including ANA Standards for Psychiatric/ Mental Health Nursing, ANA Professional Code for Nurses, the WPIC policies and procedures and the Nurse Practice Act. Performs point of care testing per unit (i.e., glucose monitoring, urinalysis, Hemocults.)Performs charge RN responsibilities competently and effectively. Participates with unit management in Program Development and Performance Improvement Activities. Participates in interdisciplinary activities including, treatment team, staff meeting, co-worker feedback process and other committees as assigned. Follows research protocols as required. Maintains competency requirements. Attends two unit-based or institute-wide in-services yearly. Serves as mentor to students and new employees. Learns and utilizes up-to-date technology in delivery of patients care. Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors. Graduation from an approved School of Nursing required. BSN preferred. Six months of experience in Clinical Psychiatry preferred. Successful completion of the central and unit specific orientation programs including the medication proficiency examination. The incumbent must by physically capable of providing direct total physical care to unpredictable, potentially violent, mentally ill patients as necessary including lifting, supporting, running towards or away from areas where problems are occurring, and pushing and pulling equipment, such as, wheelchairs, stretchers, and beds. Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire. Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)Registered Nurse (RN)Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal. Act 33 with renewal. Act 34 with renewal. Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal - Current licensure either in the state where the facility is located or, if the facility is in a state covered by the multistate Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, a multistate license issued by a participating NLC state. Hires and current employees working on an out-of-state NLC license who later change their residency to the state where the facility is also located will have 60 days upon changing their residency to apply for licensure within that state.