Assessment RN-Intake

Loma Linda University Health • Loma Linda, CA

8d

About The Position

The Intake Assessment Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for clinically evaluating patients referred to the Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center and determining their disposition. The RN coordinates with appropriate clinical, hospital, and community resources, and works with clinicians and hospital staff to facilitate admissions in accordance with department guidelines and criteria. The position also performs other duties as needed.

The RN uses therapeutic communication, interviewing skills, and clinical assessment to complete patient assessments within 45 minutes, involving the patient’s family when available and maintaining an empathetic, caring approach. The role requires knowledge of behavioral health admission criteria, insurance and managed-care criteria, psychotropic medications, patient rights, and the hospital’s policies and philosophy regarding restraint and seclusion.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree in Nursing.
• At least one year of experience in Medical/Surgery.
• Current and unrestricted California Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Prevention and Management of Assaultive Behavior (PMAB) certification within the first 30 days of hire.
• Basic clinical skills in nursing care in an acute care facility.
• Knowledge of insurance and managed-care criteria, Behavioral Medicine Center and department admission criteria, psychotropic medications, and appropriate age groups.
• Ability to assess patients, communicate clearly in person and over the phone, write clearly, listen and interact appropriately, enter data into a computer, and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to develop positive therapeutic interactions; remain calm in crisis situations; organize and prioritize work; manage several assignments simultaneously; work with limited supervision; and carry out instructions accurately and efficiently with attention to detail.
• Understanding of patient rights and hospital policies and philosophy of care for patients requiring restraint or seclusion.
• Excellent knowledge of English usage and grammar.
• Good eye-hand coordination.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience with the relevant age group.
• At least one year of acute psychiatric experience with the relevant age group.
• At least one year of experience in chemical dependency or detox.
• At least one year of psychiatric intake experience.
• Psychiatric nursing or clinical specialist certification.
• Chemical dependency nursing certification or specialist qualification.
• 5150 certification.

Responsibilities

• Clinically evaluate patients referred to the Behavioral Medicine Center and determine disposition.
• Coordinate contact with appropriate clinical, hospital, and community resources.
• Coordinate with clinicians and hospital staff to facilitate admissions according to department guidelines and criteria.
• Complete patient assessments within 45 minutes using the nursing process, therapeutic communication, interviewing skills, and clinical assessment.
• Assess patient condition, interpret care plans, determine appropriate interventions, evaluate responses to care, and teach patients and families.
• Screen and prioritize patients according to clinical needs and applicable admission criteria.
• Perform other duties as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree