Summary of Duties and Responsibilities (These duties and responsibilities are not all inclusive)

• Provides nursing care for patients by following professional, hospital, departmental and certification standards in order to maintain quality care.
• Assist in the implementation of the individual treatment plan by discussing and reporting observations regarding patient behavior, needs, desires or problems to ensure consistency of care.
• Provides supervision of employees of a lesser grade to ensure effective completion of designated tasks/activities.
• Administers medications, as prescribed, following pertinent policies, procedures and standards to ensure compliance.
• Assists in the maintenance of all medical supplies, including emergency supplies, to ensure readiness at all times.
• Assists in orienting nurses of a lesser grade to medication policies, procedures and routines to ensure consistency in practice.
• Reports observations of patient illness, changes in behaviors or related incidents to other professional staff to promote quality patient care.
• Documents in MIS including, but not limited to, progress notes, incident reports, restraint/seclusion forms, to provide communication regarding patient progress.
• Works effectively with other staff to better serve patient needs, promoting a non-threatening, therapeutic milieu.
• Participates as a member of an interdisciplinary team by attending team meetings and providing observations of patient behaviors to assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan.
• Participates in the admission process by recording necessary data in the patient's chart, asking pertinent questions, taking inventory of personal belongings, etc., to ensure accuracy and completeness of information.
• Attends meetings and trainings to improve knowledge and skills to be aware of and stay informed of hospital and departmental policies and procedures as well as HCFA and JCAHO regulations to provide a safe therapeutic environment.
• Works with other staff in the planning and the implementation of therapeutic and educational programs for the patients and their families to provide an opportunity for learning and meeting of individual patient needs.
• Actively involved in the Improved Operational Performance process at both unit and hospital wide level to promote improved patient care.
• Provides leisure activities for patients during unstructured time to promote and enhance patient social skills.
• Practices principles of COLLABORATION, ASSESSMENT, RECOVERY and ENVIRONMENT (CARE), to provide a safe environment.
• Serves on hospital and departmental committees as assigned to promote multidisciplinary representation.
• Is knowledgeable of and conforms with hospital and departmental policies and procedures and informs employees of a lesser grade of same to provide a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Performs tasks of assigned staff in their absence to ensure continuity of services.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, procedures and practices of nursing care as they pertain to Licensed Practical Nursing.
• Working knowledge of established procedures for medication administration.
• Ability to supervise employees of a lesser grade engaged in performing nursing care.
• Ability to understand and apply the laws, rules and regulations of governing and certifying agencies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with individuals with serious, persistent mental illness, substance abuse and/or who have experienced homelessness.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

About Tewksbury Hospital:

Tewksbury Hospital operates a 370-bed facility and a campus of over 700 acres of land. Its patient care services are provided under the auspices of the Department of Public Health and Mental Health. Joint Commission accredited LTAC hospital that provides high quality, comprehensive treatment, care, and comfort to adults with chronic medical and mental illness. A full range of services are provided including 24/7 Nursing, Nurse Practitioners, Medicine as well as psychiatric and psychological services, a 6- bed dialysis unit, clinical laboratory, radiology, respiratory care, nutrition, speech/language, pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, therapeutic recreation and arts, and pharmacy.

Learn more:https://www.mass.gov/locations/tewksbury-hospital

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions regarding this position please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least one year of paraprofessional experience in the field of nursing as a licensed practical nurse.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a current and valid license as a practical nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.