Registered Nurse, Behavioral Health - FT/Days

Kindred Healthcare•Watertown, WI

About The Position

The Registered Nurse–Psychiatric provides direct and indirect patient care in a behavioral health setting. The RN assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates psychiatric nursing care in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures. The role includes coordinating treatment plans, administering medications, and supporting patients in the therapeutic milieu to promote safety and recovery. The position requires strong clinical judgment, behavioral health nursing knowledge, therapeutic communication, and the ability to work in a fast-paced and emotionally dynamic environment. The nurse collaborates with an interdisciplinary team, advocates for patients, and maintains a safe, confidential, and therapeutic environment. A $10,000 sign-on bonus is offered to eligible candidates.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
Current Registered Nurse license in the state of practice or a Compact State RN license.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, required within the time frame specified in facility policy.
Handle With Care (HWC) or CPI certification, required within the time frame specified in facility policy.
Strong critical thinking, clinical judgment, and decision-making skills.
Proficiency in behavioral health nursing principles, de-escalation techniques, and therapeutic communication.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, emotionally dynamic environment.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in EMR and familiarity with behavioral health documentation standards.
Ability to collaborate across disciplines and advocate for patient needs.
Sensitivity to cultural, religious, and psychosocial factors influencing care.
Physical and mental capacity to handle psychiatric emergencies and extended periods of activity.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Six months of RN experience in a direct patient care setting.
Experience in behavioral health or psychiatric nursing.

Responsibilities

Perform psychiatric assessments and formulate individualized care plans.
Monitor patient condition, evaluate responses to care, and update treatment plans.
Administer prescribed medications and treatments, including psychotropic medications.
Assist patients with activities of daily living and therapeutic routines.
Participate in therapeutic interventions, including group, family, or individual sessions.
Educate patients and families about treatment plans, medications, and coping strategies.
Coordinate patient care with the interdisciplinary team and support discharge planning.
Provide crisis intervention and behavioral de-escalation as needed.
Document assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately and promptly.
Maintain confidentiality and foster a safe, therapeutic environment.
Participate in staff training and orientation, and serve as a role model for trauma-informed care.