Registered Nurse (RN), Residential Psychiatry

Cincinnati Children's•College Hill, TX

5d•$37 - $43•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse (RN) in Residential Psychiatry at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center will work in a state-of-the-art mental health facility. This role involves elevating psychiatric nursing skills, developing behavioral assessment and therapeutic communication abilities, and leading group programming. The nurse will implement a token economy to reinforce positive behaviors, provide direct patient care in a team-based setting, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team. Responsibilities include implementing individualized patient care plans, documenting behavioral observations, and establishing a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for youth in crisis. The position offers tuition-free benefits including a Psychiatric Residency Enrichment Program and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training.

Requirements

Associate/Diploma prepared RNs from ACEN, CCNE or NLN CNEA accredited institution
If hired as an external candidate without BSN or MSN, must enroll in a BSN or MSN program within 1 year of hire date and complete program within 5 years of hire date
Active Ohio RN License. May be required to obtain other state licensure
Foreign graduates must have license validated through TruMerit per Ohio Board of Nursing code for Foreign Graduates
Pass Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification Course during orientation

Nice To Haves

BSN from ACEN or CCNE accredited institution or MSN

Responsibilities

Create a safe, stable, and nurturing environment and utilize trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate strategies to support patients experiencing a range of psychiatric challenges.
Implement a token economy to reinforce positive behaviors.
Proactively prevent and respond to crises using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) strategies, including verbal de-escalation and physical interventions when necessary due to imminent risk.
Lead and intervene in behavioral crises, apply appropriate strategies based on the Stress Model of Crisis and individualized care plans.
Perform safety checks, room, and patient searches, and maintain awareness of environmental risk factors.
Ensure continuous compliance with departmental policies, hospital protocols, and regulatory standards (CMS, Joint Commission).
Apply critical thinking and clinical judgment to assess patient care needs and develop care plans.
Administer medications and monitor for effectiveness.
Develop, coordinate, and implement nursing care interventions across physical and mental health needs.
Deliver support for activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, feeding, toileting) and provide developmentally appropriate care in both group and individualized settings.
Maintain designated observation levels (e.g., continuous observation, 15-minute checks, remaining within arm’s-length of patient) with accuracy and compassion.
Recognize changes in patient condition, respond to deteriorations, and escalate concerns as needed.
Lead or support structured group programming modifying delivery to meet developmental needs.
Engage patients meaningfully and observe behaviors to inform treatment progress and problem-solving.
Build therapeutic rapport while maintaining professional boundaries and advocating for patient needs.
Maintain current knowledge of relevant accreditation standards and regulatory requirements.
Complete all certifications, licensure renewals, and Safety College trainings on schedule.
Partner with nurse councils, Magnet representatives, and leadership to promote safety best practices and continuous performance improvement.
Identify and report safety and compliance concerns promptly to support a culture of accountability.
Accurately document assessments, care interventions, incident reports, safety checks, and patient progress.
Review and ensure timely, accurate documentation from Behavioral Health Specialists, especially around incidents, safety checks, and behavioral observations.
Serve as the communication bridge between Behavioral Health Specialists and the interdisciplinary team. Clarify clinical priorities and ensure team members are informed and coordinated.
Actively participate in family-centered rounds; provide updates and education to families and caregivers, promoting transparency and support.
Utilize teach-back and other strategies to support understanding of care goals.
Contribute meaningfully to shift reports, handoffs, and interdisciplinary care planning.
Work closely with physicians, advanced practice RNs, social workers, allied health providers, and families to support continuity of care.
Assign tasks such as safety checks, group facilitation, or patient support, while monitoring for completion, quality, and safety.
Engage in shared decision-making through unit-based councils or ongoing communication with peers and leaders.
Participate in performance reviews, peer feedback, and clinical education to maintain competency and promote growth.
Support student and new nurse onboarding through role modeling, mentoring, and shared learning experiences.
Collaborate effectively across disciplines using the Interprofessional Practice Model (IPM), ensuring cohesive and coordinated care.
Assess cultural factors and individual preferences that may impact care, integrating needs into nursing practice.
Advocate ethically for patients and families, particularly when they are unable to advocate for themselves.