Psychiatric Resource Nurse - Mercy San Diego
About The Position
The Psychiatric Resource Nurse (PRN) supports nursing staff by regularly rounding on patients with behavioral health issues in inpatient care units outside the Behavioral Health Unit. The role guides staff in applying standards of practice for patients with mental health issues and behavioral problems, and uses therapeutic communication to support safe, appropriate care. The nurse educates staff about the LPS (Lanterman, Petris, Short) Act involuntary legal hold process, including involuntary psychotropic medication administration. The position includes monitoring patients with psychiatric diagnoses or legal holds, maintaining safety precautions and documentation, and checking compliance with behavioral care plans. The nurse responds to behavioral emergencies, leads Code BURT responses, and works with staff to develop interventions that reduce agitation and behavioral disturbances. The role collaborates with psychiatrists, behavioral health providers, psychiatric liaison teams, and case management/social work to coordinate individualized care, medication management, legal hearings, and substance use treatment. It also coordinates care conferences, reviews documentation and psychotropic medications, monitors treatment-plan effectiveness, and addresses barriers to discharge or transfer to an appropriate level of care. This is a full-time position of 72 hours per pay period, with 12-hour shifts primarily scheduled from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The schedule includes various days and rotating weekend and holiday coverage. The position is located at Scripps Mercy San Diego Hospital.
Requirements
- At least 1 year of experience as a registered nurse.
- Ability to speak, read, and follow instructions in English.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to demonstrate positive behaviors.
- Current California RN license.
- Current BLS-C provider certification from the American Heart Association.
- Registered nursing degree from an accredited school of nursing.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree in nursing.
- Previous experience providing peer education on psychiatric laws, regulations, and clinical interventions.
- Experience with the EPIC system.
- At least 2 years of bedside experience in a Med/Surg-level-of-care hospital.
- Prior experience working in an acute psychiatric hospital or psychiatric facility.
Responsibilities
- Support nursing staff through regular rounds on patients with behavioral health issues in inpatient care units outside the Behavioral Health Unit.
- Guide and assist nursing staff in applying standards of practice when caring for patients with mental health issues and behavioral problems.
- Use therapeutic communication and educate staff on the LPS Act involuntary legal hold process, including involuntary psychotropic medication administration.
- Conduct routine rounds on patients with psychiatric diagnoses or legal holds; ensure safety precautions and documentation are maintained and monitor compliance with behavioral care plans.
- Respond to behavioral emergencies, lead Code BURT responses, support nursing staff with therapeutic communication, and develop interventions to reduce agitation and behavioral disturbances.
- Collaborate with psychiatrists, behavioral health providers, psychiatric liaison teams, and case management/social work to coordinate individualized care plans, medication management, legal hearings, and substance use treatment.
- Coordinate care conferences, review documentation and psychotropic medications, monitor treatment-plan effectiveness, and address barriers to discharge or transfer to an appropriate level of care.
Benefits
- Transitional and professional development programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
