Behavioral Health Nurse - Emergency Mental Health - Per Diem

Connecticut Children's Medical Center•Hartford, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, plans and provides direct professional nursing care for specified patients throughout the entire episode of service delivery as defined by population and unit. Provides nursing services to patients and families in accordance with the standards of practice of a professional nurse, Connecticut Children's policies & procedures, TJC, and state & federal regulations. Reports to Nurse Manager.

Requirements

ASN required upon hire.
BSN preferred upon hire and required within 3 years of hire.
Current State of Connecticut Registered Nurse licensure is required upon hire and maintained thereafter.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR in adult, child & infant is required upon hire and maintained thereafter.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within 6 months of hire into position, or before completion of orientation if this is longer than 6 months and maintained thereafter.
Crisis Intervention training certification required within 3 months of hire and maintained current at all times.
Knowledge of: Theory, principles, techniques and practice of professional nursing.
Knowledge of: Common behavioral health/ psychiatric diagnosis, medications, concepts, and evidence based therapeutic interventions and treatments.
Knowledge of: State regulations regarding nursing practice.
Knowledge of: Clinical standards of care; documentation and patient record policies and standards.
Knowledge of: Teaching techniques; identification of learning needs and provision of patient/family education.
Knowledge of: Developmental and population-specific patient and family assessment techniques and how to apply to practice.
Knowledge of: Accreditation and certification requirements and standards
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Effective de-escalation techniques.
Basic proficiency in utilization of personal computers in a networked Windows-based healthcare environment to access related software applications; locate, open, edit and print files and information utilized by the unit; and use of Internet as research tool.
Ability to Work individually or within teams and/or organizations within the medical and research community.
Ability to Make clinical and procedural decisions using the nursing process.
Ability to Maintain confidentiality of information.
Ability to Delegate appropriately to ancillary staff.
Ability to Communicate effectively with individuals and groups both orally and in writing.
Ability to Maintain excellent professional boundaries.
Ability to Maintain professional composure, including during stressful/difficult, and/or critical situations.

Nice To Haves

BSN preferred.
Minimum of two years’ clinical experience in pediatrics and/or behavioral health setting preferred.

Responsibilities

On a daily basis demonstrates clinical expertise and uses the nursing process to provide safe, appropriate patient care to a defined patient population according to Connecticut Children’s and unit policies and standards.
Demonstrates knowledge of the differences and needs of patients presenting with behavioral health concerns and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients, families and co-workers.
Fosters effective team dynamics amongst staff, using clear communication supporting patient, family and staff safety. As assigned, participates in the professional development of others through preceptor/mentor activities. Supports the unit/department’s work productivity and resource management activities.
Completes all required documentation in a timely manner, according to Connecticut Children’s policies and standards, necessary information is effectively communicated to all members of the healthcare team.
Partners with the patient and family in evaluating outcomes. Monitors, trends, and evaluates patient/family responses to treatment. Provides appropriate education to patients and families regarding all aspects of care according to Connecticut Children’s policies, standards; supports the organizations efforts to patient/family education.
Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with the Connecticut Children’s standards.
Serves as a nurse for patients presenting with behavioral health concerns.
Fosters teamwork, consistency, and collaboration amongst colleagues supporting patient, family and staff safety.
Develops a working understanding of medico-legal implications of evidence handling and preservation.
Delegates duties and tasks associated with patient care to clinical staff, including unlicensed assistive personnel according to hospital policy and their scope of practice.