Job Description

Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking an experienced Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist to provide direct patient care including psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adult patients on assigned units under the supervision of the collaborating psychiatrist. Develops and leads patient psycho educational groups. Provides education and consultation to unit nursing staff regarding current evidence-based practices in psychiatric nursing, person-centered care, and recovery. WRCH is a Joint Commission accredited 320-bed recovery center and hospital that serves 260 adults and 60 adolescents through an innovative design and provides a state-of-the-art environment for patients and staff. DMH inpatient facilities promote recovery and resiliency and are integral to the continuum of care for all consumers across Massachusetts. They are vital to achieving the DMH mission and our commitment to Community First - promoting recovery for consumers and a life of independence and self-determination in communities of their choice.

• Provide direct patient care including psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of adult patients on assigned units, under the supervision of the collaborating psychiatrist as needed.
• Develop and lead patient groups. Provide education and consultation to unit nursing staff regarding current evidence-based practices in psychiatric nursing, person-centered care and recovery.
• Prescribes appropriate psychiatric/medical medications, Schedules II-VI, to patients according to the American Psychiatric Association Guidelines for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders and Guidelines for Advanced Practice Registered Nursing under the supervision of the collaborating psychiatrist. Provide on-going medication monitoring for efficacy and side effects from psychiatric medications performing AIMS testing as required by facility protocol.
• Assess and document patient capacity for making informed treatment decisions. Prepare affidavits and medication treatment plans for substituted judgment hearings. Provide testimony in hearings for commitment and substituted judgment. Manage issues pertaining to the legal status of patients in the hospital.
• Provide education and consultation to nursing staff regarding evidence-based practices that enhance patient-center care and the recovery process.
• Work in a collaborative manner with primary care clinicians to assess patients' medical needs, provide continuity of care as patients prepare for transition and discharge into the community, and develop appropriate discharge aftercare plans.
• Performs AIMS testing as required by facility protocol.
• Participate fully in all site-based performance improvement activities in accordance with job responsibilities.
• Perform or schedule laboratory and diagnostic procedures to determine health status as assigned by the physician.
• Obtain histories and perform physical examinations to determine normal and abnormal adult health status. Identify patient health problems and prescribe treatment based on diagnosis.
• Communicate findings in a comprehensive and organized fashion verbally and in writing. Document patient care and response to treatment as per the established workflows of WRCH.
• Make appropriate, timely referrals and initiate treatments based on clinical judgment and supervision, in line with hospital protocols and DMH policies.
• Serve as leader of the multidisciplinary treatment team and document treatment team meetings as directed by hospital workflows.
• Implement medical care in a knowledgeable, safe and cost-effective manner, utilizing therapeutic regimens in accordance with established regulations, policies, and procedures, and under the supervision of a licensed physician, as needed
• Make referrals and obtain consultation as necessary to a supervising physician or other healthcare providers.
• Works with treatment team members on discharge planning.
• Evaluates patients for privileges and passes.
• Determines patient diets.
• Consults with Forensic Services regarding patients committed to the facility on a legal status.
• Evaluates patient and orders restrictions, i.e. visitors, telephone.
• Works collaboratively with family members to obtain patient information, provide psycho education around patient's psychiatric condition and treatment, and education regarding guardianships (with appropriate authorization to release health protected information).
• Work within the framework of a current written Scope of Practice agreement.
• Maintain licensure by completing required continuing education and other requirements as established by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
• Serve as a resource to other professionals or non-professional personnel providing instructions.
• Perform other duties as required and directed by the Chief of Psychiatry and/or Facility Medical Director.

• MSN or Nurse Practitioner Certificate
• Hold a current Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Must have or be able to obtain Federal DEA Registration
• Must have or be able to obtain Mass. Controlled Substance Certificate

• Knowledge of the theories, principles, and practice of nursing
• Knowledge of the principles, theories, practices and standards of professional psychiatric and mental health nursing within the scope of practice of the expanded role of the clinical specialist in psychiatric and mental health nursing.
• Knowledge of the issues and problems of providing psychiatric and mental health care services to client groups with mental, physical and emotional illnesses and handicaps.
• Knowledge of the theories, principles and practice of providing psychotherapy to individuals, groups, couples, and families.
• Knowledge of the theories and process of group psychotherapy.
• Knowledge of the principles and practice of providing holistic health care as well as emergency medical procedures such as C.P.R. and other procedures in crisis situations.
• Demonstrates skill in the conduct of psychiatric and/or mental health assessment in crisis situations.
• Knowledge of ability to apply the laws, rules and regulations governing facility operations and assigned unit activities as well as knowledge of accreditation standards where applicable.
• Knowledge of and ability to maintain current or established documentation standards followed within the agency, facility, or community mental health center.
• Knowledge and ability to participate in or conduct interviews.
• Demonstrates effective oral and written communications skills.
• Knowledge of and/or expertise in specialty areas of nursing practices based on client population and facility needs.
• Knowledge of the principles and practice of supervision.

• Knowledge of the types and availability of public or private community based organization and resources for the treatment or rehabilitation of the retarded or mentally/emotionally disabled or alcohol/poly substance abuse and dependent clients.
• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, specifications, standards, guidelines, laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations and assigned ward activities.
• Knowledge of agency policy, procedures and the types and uses of agency forms.
• Ability to explain the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing agency operations and assigned ward activities.

• Current and valid registration as a professional nurse under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
• Current and valid certification as a Clinical Specialist in Psychiatric and Mental Health nursing by a national professional accrediting body.
• Current and valid authorization by the Mass Board of Registration in Nursing to practice in the expanded role as Clinical Specialist in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing.