Registered Nurse | Admissions/Intake (PER DIEM)

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital•Bakersfield, CA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital (BBHH) is an acute psychiatric and behavioral facility offering inpatient and outpatient services for various age groups and conditions, including mental/behavioral health, chemical dependency, and co-occurring disorders. BBHH aims to be a top workplace by offering excellent benefits, fostering individual growth, and adhering to its CARES values system (Compassion, Acceptance, Respect, Empowerment, Sincerity). This Registered Nurse position is within the Inpatient units, requiring critical thinking, teamwork, and excellent communication in a fast-paced environment. The Admissions RN specifically conducts comprehensive clinical reviews of referral packets to determine patient eligibility for admission, evaluating medical history, psychiatric diagnosis, acuity, risk factors, and medical stability. This role demands sound clinical judgment, knowledge of psychiatric standards of care, regulatory awareness, and the ability to assess admission risk in accordance with relevant laws and 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 obtained prior to start date)
Completion of "Handle-With-Care" Physical Restraint Technique Training during orientation

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a mental healthcare hospital environment focusing on assessments of human behavior, psychiatry, psychology, or other mental healthcare situations.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive clinical reviews of referral packets to determine patient eligibility for admission.
Evaluate 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.
Utilize sound clinical judgment, knowledge of psychiatric standards of care, and regulatory awareness.
Assess admission risk in alignment with California law, CMS Conditions of Participation, and Joint Commission standards.
Demonstrate sound leadership skills in organizing activities and schedules for medical and/or non-medical tasks on the unit.
Provide exemplary role modeling of high-quality clinical and interpersonal skills.
Apply basic knowledge of treatment procedures and interventions common to acute psychotic and non-violent crisis intervention practice.
Apply basic knowledge of abnormal psychology to patient care and utilize medical terminology in psychiatric care.
Facilitate and/or co-facilitate process-oriented and didactic groups.
Organize and manage time effectively.
Perform crisis intervention.
Communicate effectively in written and oral English.
Provide excellent patient care.