The registered psychiatric nurse contributes to the leadership of personnel in the provision of psychiatric/mental health nursing care.

Rationale:
As a member of the nursing team, a registered psychiatric nurse shares responsibility for supervision and teaching of ancillary and other personnel.

Audit Factors:

1. Recognizes the basic structure and function of the employing agency and understands the delineation of responsibilities.
2. Delegates nursing assignments based on the capabilities of team members and the needs of the individual receiving care.
3. Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of unit goals to meet the individual's needs.
4. Participates in formulation of the philosophy, objectives and policies of the unit.
5. Interprets philosophy, objectives and policies of the unit to others.
6. Takes responsibility for a designated area of a unit or program.
7. Participates with team members in determining and implementing priorities for psychiatric nursing.
8. Describes services of employing agency to others.
9. Participates in teaching other personnel to meet nursing needs of individuals.
10. Acts as a role model.