Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health Unit - Part Time​/Nights - Req

Location

1600 West Avenue J, Lancaster, CA, 93534, United States

$46.74 - $77.17 / Hour

Registered Nurse, Behavioral Health Unit

Regular

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 for the psychiatric nursing care of patients within the department, guided by policies and procedures of the Medical Center.

• The nurse will ensure that each patient is wearing the correct hospital name band to positively identify the patient 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 and reports any Adverse Drug Reactions to Pharmacy as per policy.
• 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.
• Facilitates 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 and completes required paperwork when documenting such assessment.
• Provides assessments and evaluations throughout the Medical Center as needed.
• Is 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, documenting revisions in the patient's medical record.
• 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 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.

Each nurse participates in the management of the patient by ensuring the following is completed each shift:

• Evidence based practice
• Performance Improvement

• Evaluates own nursing practice in relation to professional practice standards and regulations.
• Engages in self‑assessment and/or formal performance appraisal regularly, identifying strengths and areas for development.
• Seeks and reflects on constructive feedback from the team, patients, family and other healthcare providers.
• Takes action to achieve performance goals.

• Shares knowledge, skills and experiences with colleagues.
• Provides peers and other healthcare providers with constructive feedback in a respectful manner.
• Interacts with colleagues to enhance own professional nursing practice.
• Contributes to a learning environment conducive to healthcare education.

• Guided by the ANA Code of Ethics, ASMSN Ethics of Care, and ethical principles.
• Maintains patient confidentiality within legal and regulatory parameters.
• Acts as a patient advocate and helps others develop advocacy skills.
• Delivers care in a nonjudgmental and nondiscriminatory manner sensitive to patient diversity.
• Respects patient autonomy, dignity and rights.
• Utilizes available resources for ethical decision making.

• Communicates with the team regarding patient care and the nurse’s role.
• Collaborates with the team to formulate the plan of care and make related decisions.
• Consults with other providers and initiates referrals as appropriate.

• Questions and evaluates practice using best evidence to develop appropriate care plans.
• Participates in activities supporting clinical inquiry…