Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health Unit​/Nights - Req

job objective

professional registered nurse working in the mental health department will be oriented to the standards of professional practice during the initial orientation phase.

under the direction of the director of mental health services, the nurse is accountable and responsible for the psychiatric nursing care of patients within the department, guided by policies and procedures of the medical center.

the mental health registered nurse is expected to provide a safe environment and will protect the patient from untoward events and work as part of nursing services.

• the nurse will ensure that each patient is wearing the correct hospital name band so a patient can be positively identified according to medical center policy prior to initiating treatment, medications and procedures.
• provides nursing interventions to meet the physical and emotional needs of the patient while acting as a role model through active participation in direct patient care to different patient populations, including adults in an open unit and/or locked unit setting.
• observes patient for any symptoms or signs of intolerance to medications administered. Reports any adverse drug reactions to pharmacy as developed through policy and procedure.
• if seclusion or restraint is necessary for patient safety the registered nurse will be able to apply restraints and or place the patient in seclusion as per medical center policy.
• face‑to‑face assessment and documentation of patients in restraints and seclusion within one hour.

• completes firearm assessment and advisement on patients during admission.
• assesses patients from the emergency department for possible admission to the mh department. Completes required paperwork when documenting such an assessment.
• provides assessments and evaluation throughout the medical center as needed.
• able to lead different group sessions.
• participates actively in performance improvement teams/committees in the department.
• provides patient education on a routine basis, documenting all patient teaching on established hospital form(s).
• reviews and updates plan of care on patients in the department. Document this review and any revisions in the patient's medical record.
• appropriate documentation in hed.
• all part‑time and full‑time mental health nurses must become lps certified as soon as eligible to take the la county examination. Per diem mental health nurses are encouraged to take the examination.
• the nurse takes action to achieve performance goals.
• hand off shift‑to‑shift report.
• 24‑hour chart check.
• suicide risk assessment.

• each nurse participates in the management of the patient by ensuring the following is completed each shift.
• evidence based practice.
• discharge planning.
• performance improvement.
• the nurses use the results of quality‑of‑care activities to initiate changes in nursing practice and the healthcare delivery systems as appropriate.
• the nurse ensures that quality of care activities incorporate the patient and family’s perspective as appropriate.

• the nurse practice reflects knowledge of current professional standards, laws, and regulations.
• the nurse evaluates his or her own nursing practice in relation to the professional practice standards and relevant statutes and regulations.
• the nurse engages in a self‑assessment and/or a formal performance appraisal on a regular basis, identifying areas of strength as well as areas where professional development would be beneficial.
• the nurse seeks and reflects on constructive feedback from the team consisting of the patient, family and other healthcare providers regarding his or her own practice.
• the nurse takes action to achieve performance goals.

• the nurse shares knowledge, skills, and experiences with colleagues.
• the nurse provides peers and other healthcare providers with constructive feedback regarding their practice, as appropriate to their level of expertise. This feedback must be provided in a respectful manner to enhance learning.
• the nurse interacts with colleagues to enhance his or her own professional nursing practice.
• the nurse contributes to…