Intake RN M-F 3p-11:30p

Position Summary

Receives inquiry calls and assists the caller with scheduling a face-to-face assessment or provides triage to the appropriate community referral based on patient need. Assesses or ensures necessary assessment by a licensed, qualified mental health professional for patients who present for assessment. Upon assessment of the patient, coordinates with the physician to ensure appropriate treatment is provided either at the hospital or another appropriate provider in the community. Ensures appropriate screening of medical and behavioral emergency conditions. Completes all administrative processes of the admission for treatment including, as appropriate, the initial authorization of care with the insurance company/third-party payor.

Position Responsibilities

• Demonstrates excellent phone skills including inquiry calls, explanation of assessment processes, scheduling appointments and successful closure of a call while avoiding phone therapy.
• States the procedure for managing a crisis call and identifies when to activate EMS services; identifies safety and risk of each call.
• Documents all inquiry calls completely and legibly on the Call Worksheet.
• Makes appropriate referrals to community resources if not scheduling an assessment.
• States the process and reasoning for all follow up calls to confirm an assessment, inquire about no-show status, or reschedule an assessment, with documentation.
• Enters all inquiry calls into HCS with all data needed to further action or follow up.
• Shows competency and understanding of the review of the medical screen; notifies the RN for additional review and action as appropriate.
• States the working definition and procedure for managing medically and psychiatric emergencies according to EMTALA guidelines and hospital policies.
• Identifies and triages emergent patients and prioritizes care based on same.
• Completes the clinical screening and assessment tool (PASP) with concise, clear, and legible documentation.
• Identifies the need for additional screening for substance use, nutrition needs, functional needs, and abuse for children/adolescents, school and development screening as applicable.
• Demonstrates understanding of admission criteria for inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient hospitalization and outpatient levels of care.
• Documents any special needs related to spiritual or cultural needs.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of community mental health and substance use programs/referral for patients not at imminent risk nor requiring a higher level of care.
• Ensures each patient is seen by a physician or has had a consult by a physician to obtain treatment recommendations and disposition.
• Upon admission, notifies the unit staff of the patient's level of acuity, chief complaint and history of illness leading to admission, medical concerns and attending physician.
• Evidences understanding of all hospital required paperwork for admission and completion of admission packets for each department as applicable.
• Knowledge of state and local laws, ordinances and practices governing involuntary hospitalization and ensures compliance.
• Ensures correct information on EMTALA log including all timelines and no blanks in documentation.
• Accurately maintains the bed board reconciliation for patient placement upon admission.
• Demonstrates understanding of utilization review process including treatment criteria and precertification payor to obtain initial authorization of care and document same with pass to the Utilization Management team for concurrent reviews.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function well in stressful situations.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity, ensures confidentiality of patient records.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and provides explanations and verbal reassurance as necessary.
• Ensures that documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Answers the telephone in a polite manner and communicates information to the appropriate staff/family member.
• For individuals with a Registered Nurse license: enters orders into HCS for admission and other orders as needed, including follow up documentation required for PRN medication and first dose monitoring.
• For individuals with a Registered Nurse license: knowledgeable of medications, including psychotropic drugs, and their correct administration based on the age of the patient and their clinical condition.
• For individuals with a Registered Nurse license: conducts nurse to nurse report.
• Perform other duties as required.

Safety

• Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members.
• Follows all safety rules while on the job.
• Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly.
• Corrects minor safety hazards.
• Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
• Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.
• Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Teamwork

• Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.
• Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
• The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as required.
• Demonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.
• Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.
• Adheres to the Standards of Behavior.

Integrity

• Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospital.
• Adheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.
• Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.
• Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.
• Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadership.
• Exemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.
• Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.

Compassion

• Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.
• Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping hand.
• Desire to go above and beyond for others.
• Understanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differences.

Qualifications

Education: Required: Current RN license in the state of employment. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification. Maintains education and development appropriate for position.

Experience: Required: One to three years of experience in a behavioral health setting. Preferred: Previous assessment and evaluation experience in a behavioral health setting.