Behavioral Health Nurse Specialist; Part-time

Position: Behavioral Health Nurse Specialist (Part-time)
The Consult-Liaison (CL) Service is a collaborative, academically driven, and innovative team that bridges medical and mental health care. Our interdisciplinary group-comprising psychiatrists, CRNPs, and behavioral health nurses-serves as a vital liaison within the hospital setting.

This particular CL nurse position is based at UPMC Montefiore Hospital, where our team provides comprehensive behavioral health evaluations, facilitates resource connections, liaises to inpatient and outpatient psych, and collaborates closely with outpatient providers. We actively participate in interdisciplinary discussions to ensure integrated, patient-centered care for individuals experiencing behavioral health needs during acute medical treatment.

Our clinicians employ recovery-oriented, strength-based approaches to promote positive outcomes both during hospitalization and throughout the transition back to the community. The CL Service is recognized for its longevity, expertise, and impact-demonstrated through numerous publications, service awards, and consistent patient accolades.

Responsibilities:

General Responsibilities

* Performs system-wide competencies/behaviors.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

Quality Improvement & Relationships

* Participates in quality improvement efforts.

* Identifies and discusses improvement opportunities.

* Develops productive working relationships.

* Demonstrates accountability and commitment.

* Communicates safety hazards.

Patient Care & Assessments

* Applies nursing process within Relationship Based Care.

* Formulates patient care plans and goals.

* Practices solid communication and documentation.

* Completes clinical assessments and follow-ups.

* Communicates results to psychiatrist.

Professional Development & Education

* Engages in professional development.

* Participates in governance and goal setting.

* Supports change and transition.

* Provides teaching to patients, families, and staff.

* Encourages open dialogue and continuous development.

Psychiatric Care

* Demonstrates advanced psychiatric knowledge.

* Monitors psychiatric and medical status.

* Provides education on psychiatric medication/diagnosis.

* Participates in multidisciplinary team activities.

* Coordinates care and discharge/transfer.

* Reviews medical history and symptoms.

* Assesses medication side effects.

Qualifications:

* The individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and/or interact appropriately to the ages of the patients served by his/her assigned unit as specified below.

* They must also demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patients requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs and to provide the care needs as described in the department policy and procedures.

* Zero to two years of experience.

* BSN preferred.

* Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, other departments, and patients/families.

* Ability to work productively and effectively within a complex environment, handle multiple/changing priorities and specialized equipment.

* Good clinical judgment with critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving abilities required as related to various aspects of patient care.

* Critical thinking skills necessary to exercise and to lead others in application of the nursing process.

* Mobility and visual manual dexterity.

* Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting and positioning of patients.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

UPMC approved national certification preferred. Current licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse either in the state where the facility is located or in a state covered by a licensure compact agreement with the state where the facility is located. CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire. Graduate nurses must complete licensure examination within SIX MONTHS…