PRN Intake Registered Nurse - 7p-7a

Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute•Georgetown, TX

About The Position

The Psychiatric Intake RN provides professional nursing care to patients in accordance with hospital policies and procedures. The role assesses patient needs, plans and implements nursing care, evaluates progress, and revises care plans as needed. It also provides education to patients and families and directs nursing support staff through appropriate delegation and supervision. The position conducts intake interviews and assessments, collaborates with psychiatrists and other behavioral health professionals on treatment plans, administers medications, documents care, and helps maintain a safe and secure environment. Bilingual English/Spanish ability is a plus.

Requirements

ADN or BSN from an accredited college or university.
Valid Texas RN license in good standing.
CPR and Behavior Managing Program certification; the Behavior Managing Program must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
At least 2 years of clinical experience; behavioral healthcare, phone triage, tele-health, or case management experience is preferred, or a combination of education and experience.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Knowledge of patient rights, mental health laws, and regulations related to psychiatric nursing and treatment of mentally and emotionally disturbed patients.
Knowledge of psychotherapy theories, principles, and techniques; symptoms and behavior patterns of emotionally disturbed and mentally ill patients; and mental health diagnosis and treatment.
Knowledge of psychiatric nursing principles and procedures, social, psychological, and physical factors affecting mental and emotional disorders, and medical and psychological terminology.
Knowledge of medications, including psychotropic drugs, their effects, and medication control, preparation, and administration.
Ability to organize activities and schedules for medical and non-medical tasks across child, adolescent, and adult patient populations, and to serve as a high-quality clinical and interpersonal role model.
Knowledge of treatment procedures and interventions for acute psychosis and non-violent crises, medical and psychiatric emergencies, and abnormal psychology in child and adolescent psychiatric populations.
Familiarity with psychopharmacy and psychotropic medication use in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatric populations.
Ability to apply nursing care principles and procedures in psychiatric patient evaluation and treatment and to develop therapeutic relationships with patients.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse individuals and remain calm in sensitive situations requiring tact and diplomacy.
Ability to exercise judgment when answering questions or releasing information and to assess the consequences of decisions and recommendations.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to facilitate or co-facilitate process-oriented and didactic groups.
Must pass a background check, drug screen, and physical and provide positive employment references.
With or without reasonable accommodations, ability to perform the listed physical activities, including lifting and moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish.
Behavioral healthcare, phone triage, tele-health, or case management experience.
BLS, ACLS, and CPI certifications.
Basic teaching and training skills.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care, including support for patients’ social and emotional needs, supervision of medication schedules, and evaluation of patient progress.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary professionals to determine and provide appropriate patient care.
Maintain a safe and secure environment for patients and staff.
Encourage patients to use support groups, social activities, and other therapeutic opportunities.
Conduct intake assessments by interviewing patients and relatives to gather case histories.
Plan and provide nursing care and make nursing diagnoses concerning patients’ medical and emotional status.
Consult with psychiatrists and behavioral health staff to design appropriate treatment plans.
Administer psychotropic and other medications and document patient reactions.
Arrange further medical attention when necessary.
Help clients understand emotional disturbances and accept the need for treatment.
Maintain accurate written charts and records of patient activities, progress, treatments, immunizations, and laboratory results.
Comply with applicable laws, rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures.
Use professional judgment to select appropriate interventions for patients in crisis.
Monitor vital signs related to pain and ensure pain treatments are provided.
Document patient information on medical charts and follow physicians’ written orders.
Maintain patient confidentiality.
Perform administrative tasks such as filing, answering phones, typing, and completing computer-based progress notes.
Direct nursing support staff through appropriate delegation and supervision.