Registered Nurse (PRN)

High Plains Mental Health Center•Hays, KS

8d•Onsite

About The Position

High Plains Mental Health Center is hiring a PRN Registered Nurse for its Crisis Intervention Center in Hays, Kansas. The RN provides nursing care to individuals experiencing acute mental health and substance use crises, monitoring physical and behavioral health, supporting treatment plans, and coordinating care with a multidisciplinary team. The role offers specialized training in psychiatric nursing, crisis intervention, and de-escalation. The schedule is as-needed, up to 28 hours per week, with a need for night or overnight coverage. In-person work is required. Full-time hours are also available.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years old.
Hold current Kansas RN licensure and an ADN or BSN.
Have strong knowledge of behavioral health crisis care, psychiatric medications, and trauma-informed care.
Maintain CPR and First Aid certification; certification is provided by the Center.
Pass required KBI and KDADS background checks.
Be physically capable of working in high-pressure situations and responding to emergencies.
Comply with TB testing and health screening protocols.
Pass pre-employment drug screening.
Maintain a valid driver's license; a motor vehicle record check will be conducted.
Have no substance-related driving offenses in the past five years.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in psychiatric nursing, crisis intervention, emergency care, or inpatient care.

Responsibilities

Conduct nursing assessments upon admission and ongoing assessments throughout patients' stays.
Monitor vital signs, changes in patient condition, medication responses, and other clinical concerns, and communicate significant findings to medical providers.
Administer prescribed medications, monitor their effects and potential side effects, and provide medication education.
Provide nursing care and clinical support to individuals experiencing acute mental health and substance use crises.
Use crisis intervention, verbal de-escalation, and trauma-informed approaches to manage escalating behaviors and promote patient safety.
Implement and monitor safety precautions, including suicide and self-harm prevention measures and individualized safety plans.
Respond to medical and behavioral health emergencies according to established protocols and training.
Follow state regulations and facility policies for restraints and seclusion, including monitoring and documentation requirements.
Collaborate with psychiatrists, APRNs, the Clinical Director, nurses, and behavioral health staff to coordinate care and communicate changes in treatment needs.
Support treatment planning and coordinate patient needs, referrals, and discharge planning with case managers.
Educate patients and families about medications, treatment recommendations, coping strategies, and follow-up care.
Maintain accurate and timely nursing documentation, including assessments, medication administration, observations, interventions, and patient responses.
Maintain current knowledge of psychiatric nursing, psychopharmacology, mental health disorders, and evidence-based behavioral health practices through training and continuing education.