Mental Health Registered Nurse; Inpatient

Job Summary

Mental Health Inpatient Psychiatric Registered Nurse (RN)

Compensation: $50.00/hr plus benefits

Work Schedule:

Shift Length: 12-hour shifts

Day Shift: 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Night Shift: 7:30 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Coverage:
Weekdays, weekends, and federal holidays

Weekend Coverage:
Alternating weekends preferred

Charleston VA Medical Center Inpatient Acute Psychiatric Units / Behavioral Health Recovery Unit (BHRU)

The Mental Health Inpatient Psychiatric Registered Nurse (RN) is a professional nurse who provides comprehensive, patient-centered mental health care to Veterans admitted to inpatient acute psychiatric units. The RN delivers age-specific, holistic nursing care using sound clinical judgment to promote positive patient outcomes, patient safety, and a therapeutic healing environment.

The Mental Health RN functions both independently and collaboratively as an integral member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, with guidance and direction from the Nurse Manager or designee. Contractor nurses are assigned based on patient care needs and individual experience and may provide periodic coverage for additional inpatient psychiatric units as required.

• Provide direct nursing care to patients admitted to inpatient behavioral health units, utilizing a holistic and recovery-oriented approach.

• Perform comprehensive Mental Health Nursing Assessments
  , including use of standardized tools such as the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA).

• Assess, plan, implement, evaluate, and document individualized plans of care in accordance with facility and unit policies.

• Insert and maintain peripheral intravenous lines as clinically indicated.

• Accompany and/or transport patients to appointments or procedures as necessary.

• Utilize sound clinical judgment to manage medical and psychiatric emergencies
  , withdrawal symptoms, and detoxification care.
• Promote patient safety, including suicide risk mitigation, behavioral observation, and crisis intervention.
• Maintain a therapeutic milieu that supports stabilization, recovery, and positive patient outcomes.

• Assume responsibility for coordination of care throughout the continuum, including admission, treatment, and discharge planning.
• Provide patient and family education focused on treatment plans, self-management after discharge, and recovery goals.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care and continuity of services.

• Complete timely, accurate, and thorough documentation of patient care in accordance with VA and unit standards.
• Assess and interpret clinical data reflective of patient status and age-specific needs.
• Communicate effectively with physicians, nursing leadership, and other members of the care team to influence positive care outcomes.

• May be required to care for COVID-19 positive patients and Patients Under Investigation (PUI) in both medical-surgical and psychiatric settings.
• May provide periodic coverage for 3A Inpatient Psychiatry or other inpatient psychiatric units as needed.

• Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
• Associates in Nursing is required; BSN is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience providing inpatient psychiatric or behavioral health nursing care.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.
• Strong clinical judgment, assessment, and crisis-management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary treatment team.

Arrow ARC supports Veterans Health Administration facilities and offices across the U.S. with health care staffing and program support via the 10-year Integrated Critical Staffing Program (ICSP). We provide staffing solutions to address critical shortages in VHA medical facilities caused by turnover, recruitment issues, seasonal needs, surges or emergencies.

Arrow is a certified Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business joint venture between Artemis ARC and Aptive Resources, two award-winning companies that share an agile, mission-focused, results driven approach in the federal sector. Arrow provides management consulting services and specializes in working with federal government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and Office of Personnel Management.

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.