Psychiatric Nurse

Organization Description
Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.rescue.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies. 

The IRC began programming in northern Uganda in 1998 in response to mass displacement and devastation wrought by rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army. In 2002, the IRC expanded to the remote, conflict-affected region of Karamoja and in 2011, began working with refugees in Kampala. Monitoring the influx of South Sudanese refugees at the end of 2015, the IRC began scaling up its response to refugees arriving in the West Nile region. By promoting durable solutions that deliver on the interdependent aims of saving lives, strengthening institutions, and supporting social cohesion, the IRC in Uganda is laying the building blocks for long-term stability and development –bringing people from harm to home. The IRC currently works in 9 districts in Uganda, including Kitgum, Lamwo, Kyegegwa, Moroto, Kiryandongo, Yumbe, Arua, Kasese and Naguru. 

Job Overview
Under supervision of psychiatric clinical officer, the Psychiatric nurse will provide professional nursing care to emotionally disturbed and/or mentally ill patients for Behavioral Health and Recovery Services; to work with clinical and case management staff to coordinate care and assist in treatment plans for clients; and to perform related work.

Roles and Responsibilities
•Conducts intake assessments through interviews with patients and relatives to gather case history.
•Plans and provides nursing care for patients.
•Makes nursing diagnosis of the medical and emotional status of patients and recommend treatment options.
•Consults with psychiatrists and other behavioral health staff in designing appropriate treatment plans for clients.
•Administers and notes reactions to psychotropic drugs and other medications.
•Arranges further medical attention when necessary.
•Assists the client in understanding the nature of emotional disturbances and accepting the need for treatment.
•Assists in maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and patients.
•Test for vital signs of pain and ensures treatments of pain.
•Documents all patient information on medical charts and follows physician’s written orders.
•Maintains patient confidentiality.
•Maintains accurate records and documentation of patient treatments, immunizations and laboratory results according to standard medical recordkeeping.
•Performs administrative assignments such as filing, answering phones, typing, and completing progress notes in the filing system. 
•Provides courteous, high quality service to patients and members of the public by personal responding to requests for service or making appropriate referral.