General Summary of Position:
A nurse is responsible for providing competent professional nursing care using the nursing process. These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital's philosophy, policies, procedures, and standards.

5 West Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
The Inpatient Psychiatry Unit (5 West) at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital offers in-depth evaluation and acute care treatment of the broad range of psychiatric disorders.
 
5 West coordinates all patient care through an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, nurses, mental health counselors, occupational and art therapists, and case managers. The unit houses a 13-bed, acute care, voluntary adult program and is located on the fifth floor of the Main Building. 
 
The nurses on 5 West organize and implement the daily care for each patient, collaborating with physicians, administering medications, attending the daily interdisciplinary treatment rounds, assessing patients on a continual basis, and evaluating the effectiveness of the care.

 
Qualifications:

• EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING REQUIRED: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Bachelor’s degree or higher in Nursing preferred.
• LICENSURE AND/OR CERTIFICATION: Current D.C. license as a Registered Professional Nurse upon hire. Certification in Basic Life Support. Certification in specialty or related specialty preferred.
• EXPERIENCE: To meet unit criteria, at least two (2) years of recent acute care experience in the relevant patient care area.
• SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: Ability to perform the nursing technologies. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to set priorities and work under stress.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• PRACTICE & QUALITY
  • Provides relationship-based care that promotes continuous, consistent, efficient, and accountable delivery of nursing care using the nursing process. 
  • Demonstrates professional practice utilizing the framework of the professional practice model and is grounded in a culture of safety and quality.
• COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION
  • Communicates and collaborates with interprofessional groups to ensure coordination, continuity and safe care.   
  • Communicates verbal information and documents written and electronic information that reflects the planned and delivered care for patients.
• LEADERSHIP
  • Supports and contributes to the unit, department and organizational goals inclusive of the mission, vision and values.
  • Demonstrates advocacy and support on behalf of interprofessional teams and patients.
  • Delegates and supervises nursing staff in providing patient care and assumes leadership roles, e.g., charge nurse role. Participates in the development and implementation of quality activities.
• PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  • Serves as a preceptor or mentor.
  • Participates in professional development activities.
  • Incorporates evidence-based practice and research into patient care delivery.