Registered Nurse (RN), Lindner Center of Hope

Cincinnati Children's•Mason, OH

5d•$37 - $43•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse works in the Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatry unit at Lindner Center of Hope, providing psychiatric nursing care to youth experiencing a range of mental health challenges. The role focuses on maintaining a safe, stable, nurturing, and trauma-informed environment; assessing patient needs; developing and implementing individualized care plans; administering medications; and responding to changes in patient condition and behavioral crises. The nurse supports therapeutic engagement through structured group programming, therapeutic communication, behavioral observation, and implementation of a token economy. The position works closely with an interdisciplinary team, patients, and families to coordinate care, communicate treatment goals, maintain accurate documentation, and support continuity of care. The role also includes safety and regulatory compliance, collaboration and task coordination with Behavioral Health Specialists, and participation in professional development and shared decision-making.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or diploma prepared RN from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or NLN CNEA-accredited institution.
External candidates hired without a BSN or MSN must enroll in a BSN or MSN program within one year of hire and complete the program within five years of hire.
Active Ohio RN license; other state licensure may be required.
Foreign graduates must have their license validated through TruMerit in accordance with Ohio Board of Nursing requirements for foreign graduates.
Pass the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification Course during orientation.

Nice To Haves

BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited institution, or an MSN.

Responsibilities

Create a safe, stable, nurturing environment using trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate strategies for patients with psychiatric challenges.
Implement a token economy to reinforce positive behaviors.
Prevent and respond to crises using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention strategies, including verbal de-escalation and physical interventions when necessary due to imminent risk.
Lead or intervene in behavioral crises using the Stress Model of Crisis and individualized care plans.
Perform safety checks, room and patient searches, and monitor environmental risk factors.
Comply with departmental policies, hospital protocols, and regulatory standards, including CMS and Joint Commission requirements.
Assess patient care needs, apply clinical judgment, and develop care plans.
Administer medications and monitor their effectiveness.
Develop, coordinate, and implement nursing interventions for physical and mental health needs.
Support activities of daily living and provide developmentally appropriate care in group and individualized settings.
Maintain designated observation levels accurately and compassionately.
Recognize changes or deterioration in patient condition, respond, and escalate concerns as needed.
Lead or support structured group programming, adapting it to patients’ developmental needs.
Engage patients, observe behaviors, build therapeutic rapport, maintain professional boundaries, and advocate for patient needs.
Maintain knowledge of accreditation standards and regulatory requirements, and complete certifications, licensure renewals, and Safety College training on schedule.
Partner with nurse councils, Magnet representatives, and leadership on safety practices and continuous performance improvement.
Identify and promptly report safety and compliance concerns.
Document assessments, care interventions, incident reports, safety checks, and patient progress accurately.
Review documentation from Behavioral Health Specialists for accuracy and timeliness, particularly for incidents, safety checks, and behavioral observations.
Coordinate communication between Behavioral Health Specialists and the interdisciplinary team, clarifying clinical priorities and keeping team members informed.
Participate in family-centered rounds, provide updates and education to families and caregivers, and use teach-back and other strategies to support understanding.
Contribute to shift reports, handoffs, and interdisciplinary care planning.
Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice RNs, social workers, allied health providers, and families to support continuity of care.
Assign and monitor tasks such as safety checks, group facilitation, and patient support.
Engage in shared decision-making through unit-based councils and ongoing communication with peers and leaders.
Participate in performance reviews, peer feedback, and clinical education.
Support student and new nurse onboarding through role modeling, mentoring, and shared learning.
Collaborate across disciplines using the Interprofessional Practice Model.
Assess cultural factors and individual preferences that may affect care and incorporate them into nursing practice.
Advocate ethically for patients and families, particularly when patients cannot advocate for themselves.