Registered Nurse - AM

Job Summary

The RN is responsible for delivering quality general/psychiatric nursing care to patients who are hospitalized for treatment of psychiatric or emotional disorders; to support the hospital and program philosophy of care; to ensure the safety and well-being of each patient. The Psychiatric RN will provide professional nursing care to patients according to hospital policy and procedure; will assess patient care needs, plan and implement nursing care procedures, evaluate patient progress and modify care plans as necessary;

will provide teaching to patients and their families; will direct the work of nursing support staff through the use of appropriate delegation and supervision skills.

• The care and treatment of the patients are rendered in a competent manner and are based on current developmental theory and psychiatric nursing knowledge and standards; care is evaluated against the goals and plan of care and is revised periodically, as appropriate.
• Plans and provides nursing care for patients through a systematic process of interaction with patients, the patient s significant others, and the appropriate health care providers, collects and analyzes data regarding the patient s physical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, educational, spiritual, cultural, and anticipated discharge needs.
• Ensures each patient s unique needs are identified and incorporated into a comprehensive, individualized care plan including the severity of the disease, condition, impairment/disability as important elements of the plan.
• Provides direct care to patients, which includes facilitating social and emotional needs, supervising medication schedules, evaluating patient progress and patient s access to the appropriate level of care and setting.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary professionals to determine and provide the best possible care for patients.
• Provides social support for patients by creating and encouraging patients to take advantage of opportunities such as support groups, social activities and other therapeutic measures.
• Conducts intake assessments through interviews with patients and relatives to gather case history.
• Makes nursing diagnosis of the medical and emotional status of patients and recommends treatment options.
• Consults with psychiatrists and other behavioral health staff in designing appropriate treatment plans for clients.
• Maintains accurate records and documentation of patient treatments, immunizations, laboratory results, notes reactions to psychotropic drugs and other medications, written charts, patient activities and progress according to standard medical record keeping and hospital policy and procedures.
• Assists the client in understanding the nature of emotional disturbances and accepting the need for treatment.
• Complies with laws, rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures.
• Uses professional judgment to ascertain and to apply appropriate intervention techniques with patients in crisis
• Assists in maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and patients.
• Tests for vital signs of pain and ensures treatments of pain and arranges further medical attention when necessary.
• Performs administrative tasks such as filing, answering phones and computer entry of progress notes.
• Organizes the activities and schedules for medical and/or non-medical tasks of the Child, Adolescent and Adult and support staff for a given shift.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Upholds the Organization s ethics and customer service standards.
• Must be 21 years old or older

Education - ADN or BSN from an accredited college or university.

Experience – Minimum of 2 years clinical experience, preferably in a behavioral healthcare setting, phone triage, tele-health or case management or combination of education and experience. Basic teaching and training skills a plus.

Required Licenses - Valid Texas RN license in good standing is required. Current CPR upon hire. BLS and Handle with Care certifications a plus.

Additional Requirements - Must pass a medication administration exam before administering medications. Must provide proof of approved (AHA/ARC) current CPR maintain approved CPR certification prior to hire as well as successful completion of Management of Assaultive Behavior training including restraint and seclusion policies prior to assuming patient care responsibility.
Must maintain current CPR and Handle with Care. Violators will be suspended up to termination if not compliant within 1 week of expiration.

• Knowledgeable of patient rights and laws pertaining to mental health and regulations pertaining to psychiatric nursing and the treatment of the mentally and emotionally disturbed patients. Theories, principles, and techniques of group and individual psychotherapy. Symptoms and behavior patterns of emotionally disturbed mentally ill patients.
• Advanced knowledge and clinical skills in diagnosis and treatment of mental health,…