Definition: Directs in-service education program for nursing personnel in a mental hospital; or identifies, plans, and initiates nursing care of psychiatric patients within a specific treatment program.

Typical Work

Initiates, and participates in studies for improvement of patient care and education programs;

Supervises professional and nonprofessional personnel within designated teaching programs;

Conducts in-service training classes in psychiatric and general nursing;

Plans and carries out staff development programs by providing counseling and guidance, learning experiences, job performance evaluations, and patient centered conferences;

Assists in formulating and implementing educational and administrative policies for nursing;

Assesses educational needs of nursing personnel and provides for them through planned educational programs;

Assists treatment team in program planning, implementation, and evaluation;

Consults with other disciplines in development of patient assessment and treatment plans;

Conducts research involving hospital programs, community placements and system effectiveness;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: professional nursing principles and techniques; dynamics of interpersonal relationships; dynamic psychiatry; mental growth and development; psychiatric nursing theories and techniques; mental health concepts; available community resources; group dynamics; concept of social psychiatry; theories of learning.

Ability to: use nursing judgment and knowledge based on application of principles of biological, physical, and social sciences; work effectively with others; use various teaching methods.

Minimum Qualifications

A Master's degree in nursing and three years of professional nursing experience.

NOTE: A valid Washington State license to practice as a registered professional nurse is required.

NOTE: Selective certification for specialized experience may be authorized for specified positions.

Revised definition, minimum qualifications, and title change (formerly Psychiatric Nursing Training Director): 3-14-80