Psychiatric Liaison Nurse

Mount Nittany Health • State College, PA

48d • Onsite

About The Position

The Psychiatric Liaison Nurse, under the clinical supervision of the Manager Behavioral Health, provides professional nursing care to patients. The role is responsible for performing behavioral health assessments, planning, implementing, and evaluating the behavioral health treatment provided to patients on the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) and to Emergency Room patients requiring mental health evaluation. The nurse will also act as a resource/support to the acute medical care inpatient units with the behavioral management of patients with behavioral health issues throughout the Medical Center.

Requirements

• Current licensure as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years.
• Ability to function with a high degree of independence.
• Possess strong problem solving skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with others.
• Presents self in a professional and supportive manner.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with diverse populations.

Nice To Haves

• Baccalaureate degree in Nursing, Psychology or related behavioral science field preferred.
• Minimum of one year full time experience in psychiatric nursing or employment in a behavioral health setting with an understanding of addictions and mental health diagnosis, triage and treatment preferred.
• Certification in area of specialization by the American Nurses Credentialing Service preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs inpatient Behavioral Health Unit RN duties, including applying appropriate theory, collecting comprehensive and accurate data, assessing patients in various areas (physical, mental/physical status, medication, risk factors, expectations), supervising psychiatric counselor's data collection, collecting data from external sources, conducting insurance reviews, developing and implementing nursing care plans collaboratively with clients and other disciplines, and administering medications.
• Completes quality behavioral health clinical assessments of emergency room patients with a consultation request, reviewing presenting illness, symptoms, history, and obtaining information to assist physicians with hospitalization decisions. Provides communication, crisis intervention, and conducts insurance pre-authorizations.
• Acts as a psychiatric liaison for patients in acute medical inpatient units requiring behavioral health intervention, reviewing symptoms, history, and assisting physicians with treatment decisions. Provides communication, conducts insurance pre-authorizations, and coordinates transitions to the Behavioral Health Unit.
• Provides crisis intervention and referral services as needed, offering detailed information to clinicians and serving as a resource to other departments regarding crisis management.
• Serves as a behavioral health resource and advocate, acting as a resource to acute care nursing staff, the Emergency Department, and Case Management. Educates staff and/or patients, assists in identifying trends, and prepares reports/statistics.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level