ED Behavioral Health Nurse- Per Diem

Connecticut Children's Medical Center•Hartford, CT

23h

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 the population and unit. Provides nursing services to patients and families in accordance with professional nursing standards of practice, Connecticut Children's policies and procedures, The Joint Commission (TJC) requirements, and state and federal regulations. Reports to the Nurse Manager. Serves as a nurse for patients presenting with behavioral health concerns. Delegates patient-care duties and tasks to clinical staff, including unlicensed assistive personnel, in accordance with hospital policy and their scope of practice. The role is per diem.

Requirements

ASN required upon hire.
BSN required within three years of hire.
Current Connecticut Registered Nurse license or Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) license, maintained thereafter.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR certification for adults, children, and infants, required upon hire and maintained thereafter.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification within six months of hire, or before the end of orientation if orientation lasts longer, and maintained thereafter.
Crisis Intervention training certification within three months of hire and maintained at all times.
Knowledge of professional nursing theory, principles, techniques, and practice.
Knowledge of common behavioral health and psychiatric diagnoses, medications, concepts, evidence-based therapeutic interventions, and treatments.
Knowledge of state nursing practice regulations; clinical standards of care; documentation and patient record policies; teaching techniques; patient and family learning needs; developmental and population-specific assessment techniques; and accreditation and certification standards.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work effectively with a wide range of people in a diverse community.
Effective de-escalation techniques.
Basic proficiency using personal computers in a networked Windows-based healthcare environment, related software, files, and the Internet as a research tool.
Ability to work individually and in teams or organizations within the medical and research community; make clinical and procedural decisions using the nursing process; maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries; delegate appropriately; communicate orally and in writing; and maintain professional composure in stressful, difficult, or critical situations.

Nice To Haves

BSN preferred upon hire.
At least two years of clinical experience in pediatrics and/or a behavioral health setting preferred.
Specialty licensure or certification may be required as specified by the department.

Responsibilities

Use the nursing process and clinical expertise to provide safe, appropriate daily care to the defined patient population according to organizational and unit policies and standards.
Apply knowledge of the distinct needs of patients presenting with behavioral health concerns and demonstrate cultural sensitivity in interactions with patients, families, and coworkers.
Foster clear communication, teamwork, consistency, and collaboration to support patient, family, and staff safety.
Participate in the professional development of others through assigned preceptor or mentor activities.
Support unit and department productivity and resource management activities.
Complete required documentation promptly and communicate necessary information effectively to the healthcare team.
Partner with patients and families in evaluating outcomes; monitor, trend, and evaluate responses to treatment; and provide appropriate education about care.
Demonstrate behaviors consistent with Connecticut Children's mission, values, goals, and standards.
Develop a working understanding of the medico-legal implications of evidence handling and preservation.
Delegate patient-care duties and tasks to clinical staff, including unlicensed assistive personnel, according to hospital policy and scope of practice.