Lead Nurse | Intake (Mon-Fri)

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital•Bakersfield, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital (BBHH) is seeking a Registered Nurse for its Inpatient units. This RN position is crucial for patient outcomes, requiring high attention to detail and situational awareness. The role involves applying BBHH's CARES values system in all patient care. BBHH is a fast-paced environment that demands critical thinking, teamwork, and excellent communication. The Lead Nurse in Admissions/Intake will conduct comprehensive clinical reviews of referral packets to determine patient eligibility for admission, complete assessments, and manage patient admissions. This involves evaluating medical history, psychiatric diagnosis, acuity level, risk factors, exclusionary criteria, and medical stability to ensure the hospital can safely and appropriately meet patient needs. The position requires sound clinical judgment, knowledge of psychiatric standards of care, regulatory awareness, and the ability to assess admission risk in alignment with California law, CMS Conditions of Participation, and Joint Commission standards.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Current California RN License
Minimum of two (2) years psychiatric nursing experience (acute inpatient preferred)
Strong knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses, risk stratification, and medical comorbidities
Demonstrated ability to independently analyze clinical information and exercise sound judgment
Working knowledge of Title 22, CMS, and Joint Commission standards related to psychiatric facilities
Strong written documentation skills
Experience reviewing referral packets or conducting medical necessity reviews
Current CPR certification (or obtain prior to start date)

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a mental healthcare hospital environment focusing on assessments of human behavior, psychiatry, psychology, or other mental healthcare situations.
Fluency in medical terminology in psychiatric care
Thorough familiarity of psych and the use of psychotropic medications
Basic teaching and training skills
Problem-solving skills
Crisis intervention skills
Skills in facilitating and/or co-facilitating process-oriented and didactic groups.

Responsibilities

Conducting comprehensive clinical reviews of referral packets to determine patient eligibility for admission to Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital (BBHH).
Completing assessments and admissions of patients to the hospital.
Evaluating medical history, psychiatric diagnosis, acuity level, risk factors, exclusionary criteria, and medical stability to ensure the hospital can safely and appropriately meet the patient’s needs.
Demonstrating sound leadership skills and utilizing these skills in organizing the activities and schedules for medical and/or non-medical tasks on the unit.
Consistently showcasing high-quality clinical and interpersonal skills to be an exemplary role model to others.
Displaying basic knowledge of treatment procedures and interventions common to acute psychotic as well as non-violent crisis intervention practice.
Applying advanced knowledge of abnormal psychology to the care of patients.
Facilitating and/or co-facilitating process-oriented and didactic groups.
Providing excellent care and joining the Workplace Community in the effort to be the best hospital possible.