Registered Nurse | Admissions/Intake (PER DIEM)

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital•Bakersfield, CA

2d•$44 - $61•Onsite

About The Position

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital (BBHH) is an acute psychiatric and behavioral 90-bed facility offering inpatient and outpatient services for children, adolescents, and adults. BBHH is committed to being a top workplace by offering excellent benefits, fostering individual growth, and upholding its CARES values (Compassion, Acceptance, Respect, Empowerment, Sincerity). This RN position is within the Inpatient units, requiring a high level of attention to detail and situational awareness for successful patient outcomes. The role demands critical thinking, teamwork, and excellent communication in a fast-paced environment. The Admissions RN is responsible for reviewing referral packets to determine patient eligibility for admission, evaluating medical history, psychiatric diagnosis, acuity, risk factors, and medical stability. This requires sound clinical judgment, knowledge of psychiatric standards of care, regulatory awareness, and the ability to assess admission risk in accordance 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
Current CPR certification (or obtain prior to start date)

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a mental healthcare hospital environment with a focus 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.
Ensure the hospital can safely and appropriately meet the patient’s needs.
Apply 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.
Showcase high-quality clinical and interpersonal skills as an exemplary role model.
Display 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.
Utilize fluency in medical terminology in psychiatric care.
Demonstrate thorough familiarity with psychiatric medications and psychotropic medications.
Utilize basic teaching and training skills.
Problem-solve effectively.
Manage tasks with exceptional organizational and time management skills.
Employ crisis intervention skills.
Communicate effectively in written and oral English.
Facilitate or co-facilitate process-oriented and didactic groups.
Provide excellent care and contribute to the hospital's mission.
Review referral packets or conduct medical necessity reviews.