Behavioral Health Nurse

BrightSpring Health Services•Cookeville, TN

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Nurse is a licensed professional who provides direct and indirect patient care in patients’ homes or alternative settings. The nurse assesses patients and develops plans of care in collaboration with the physician or allowed practitioner, provides ordered nursing and behavioral health interventions, and teaches and supports patients and caregivers in managing care and living independently. The role also supervises Licensed Practical Nurses and Home Health Aides when they are involved in the patient’s plan of care. Community education and marketing activities may be included when requested. The position combines psychiatric nursing, medication management, crisis assessment, counseling and psychotherapy interventions within the nurse’s education and licensure, case management, care coordination, staff supervision and training, and regulatory-compliant documentation. The nurse monitors patient conditions, communicates changes and coordinates with clinicians and referral sources to support patient outcomes. The role also participates in after-hours coverage when requested or necessary, including weekends and holidays. Adoration Health, an affiliate of BrightSpring Health Services, provides compassionate services in the home and supports patients, families, and caregivers. The organization describes its mission as helping patients live with dignity, find fulfillment, and celebrate life with their families.

Requirements

Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice; must hold a valid license in the state of practice and state of residence.
Current CPR certification.
One of the following education and experience combinations: an RN with a master’s degree in psychiatric or mental health nursing and recent nursing experience in a specified psychiatric care setting; an RN with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and at least one year of recent nursing experience in a specified psychiatric care setting; or an RN with a diploma or associate degree in nursing and at least two years of recent nursing experience in a specified psychiatric care setting.
Specified psychiatric care settings include an acute treatment unit in a psychiatric hospital, psychiatric home care, a psychiatric partial hospitalization program, or other outpatient psychiatric services. Recent experience is recommended to be within the last three years.
Demonstrate basic clinical competencies.
Maintain professional appearance and conduct.
Operate computer systems and learn industry-specific software.
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Organize tasks and manage time with attention to detail.
Collaborate effectively in team environments.
Apply critical thinking to solve complex problems.
Complete required orientation and training objectives.

Responsibilities

Conduct initial assessments and help develop patient plans of care in coordination with the patient’s physician or allowed practitioner and Clinical Manager.
Manage medical illness according to the plan of care and perform psycho-biological interventions.
Conduct comprehensive medication reviews; educate patients and caregivers about medication regimens, administration, actions, side effects, indications, contraindications, and compliance; and administer IM or IV medication.
Assess and manage situational or other crises, assess potential self-harm or harm to others, and refer concerns to treating physicians as necessary.
Teach patients, families, and caregivers how to manage treatment regimens; promote self-care, mental and physical well-being, independence, patient rights, and a safe therapeutic environment.
Provide supportive counseling, psychotherapy, psycho-therapeutic interventions, and psychoeducation within education and licensure, including education on disease processes, symptoms, safety management, coping skills, and problem solving.
Evaluate and manage patient care plans on an ongoing basis; provide counseling services or coordinate with a social worker to ensure they are provided.
Document evaluation, psychotherapy, and teaching activities as required to support active treatment of diagnosed psychiatric disorders and comply with coverage guidelines.
Provide ordered general nursing interventions, including phlebotomy, wound care, infusion, ostomy care, catheter care, and other skilled interventions.
Manage cases to enhance patient outcomes, communicating with other disciplines to coordinate care.
Monitor patient conditions and report changes to the Clinical Manager and the patient’s physician or allowed practitioner when indicated.
Obtain, document, and execute orders from the patient’s physician or allowed practitioner.
Comply with state, local, and payer requirements; ensure documentation reflects care provided and meets company, regulatory, and payer standards; and complete documentation within required timeframes.
Participate in after-hours coverage, including weekends and holidays, when necessary to meet patient needs or when requested.
Supervise care provided by Licensed Practical Nurses and Home Health Aides when indicated.
Maintain universal precautions and infection-control standards; disinfect, sanitize, and transport patient-care equipment and supplies appropriately; and use proper medical-waste disposal techniques.
Report incidents according to agency policy and regulatory standards.
Provide professional guidance to referral sources and internal operational staff to support patient and referral-source satisfaction.
Assist with staff development and provide one-on-one clinical training to field RNs and LPNs during home visits.
Collaborate with the Clinical Manager, Branch Director, and/or Administrator to ensure ongoing staff competencies.
Educate referral sources about agency services through in-services when requested.
When requested, support market share by maintaining and growing established accounts and identifying and developing referral sources through prospecting, lead generation, and sales calls in an assigned territory.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, patient care conferences, in-services, and other meetings as requested.
Participate in the agency’s QAPI program by communicating identified problem areas and recommendations, attending periodic QAPI meetings, and contributing to performance improvement projects as requested.
Maintain confidentiality of patient-related information and honor patient rights.
Perform other duties as assigned and within scope of practice.