Psychiatric Nurse

Job Summary

Provides the full range of nursing care to motivate and redirect the behavior of psychiatric patients in the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP). May serve as a clinical treatment team member with rotating shifts responsibilities on a 24 hour, 7-day week basis. Evaluates the need for physical nursing care to patients with a wide variety of psychiatric and chronic physical problems.

Participates with the interdisciplinary clinical team in formulating, evaluating and revising treatment plans for patients. Administers prescribed medications to acutely psychotic patients with unpredictable behaviors. Provides supportive and therapeutic health teaching/counseling to patients and significant others. Makes nursing care assignments to non-professional nursing personnel with varying levels of skill when assigned to charge nurse responsibilities. Makes continuing assessments of patient/work environment for the purpose of identifying changes and making recommendations.

Maintains confidentiality and tact in communicating openly and professionally with patients, families, and internal and external personnel.

• Provide full range nursing care to psychiatric patients.
• Evaluate and deliver physical nursing care to patients with psychiatric and chronic physical conditions.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to formulate, evaluate, and revise treatment plans.
• Administer prescribed medications to acutely psychotic patients with unpredictable behaviors.
• Provide supportive and therapeutic health teaching/counseling to patients and significant others.
• Assign nursing care tasks to non-professional nursing personnel when acting as charge nurse.
• Continuously assess patient and work environment to identify changes and provide recommendations.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional communication with patients, families, and staff.

One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Specialized experience is experience which has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license through the D.C. Department of Health.

• Associate Degree Program or Diploma Program with less than 30 months: 3 years
• Diploma Program of 30 months or more: 2 years
• Baccalaureate Degree Program: 2 years

• One (1) year minimum of the required specialized professional nursing experience as a Registered Nurse, sufficiently related to psychiatric nursing.

Work is performed in close proximity to psychiatric patients with multiple behavioral disorders. Work involves an associated risk to personal safety and property.

Shift rotation including weekends and holidays.

Permanent

1905 E Street, S.E., Washington, D.C.

Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless medically advised otherwise or if it conflicts with sincerely held religious beliefs. Proof of vaccination or an exemption request must be submitted.

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, nation origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.