RN CASUAL - ADULT INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Independence Health System•Latrobe, PA

About The Position

The Registered Nurse assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care for assigned psychiatric patients and coordinates, directs, and participates as an effective member of the interdisciplinary team. The role delivers direct and indirect patient care in accordance with the Pennsylvania Nurse Practice Act, hospital policies and protocols, and applicable professional standards. The RN supports patient safety, quality of care, continuity between nursing teams, and a compassionate environment for patients and their families. The position provides care across Adult and Adolescent Units and may involve rotating shifts, standby or on-call work, and local travel between system locations. The incumbent may support psychiatric emergencies, crisis resolution, patient education, and group therapy. There are no direct supervisory responsibilities, though the RN may coach and mentor other department positions.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
Strong leadership ability, organizational skills, independent and critical-thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of the legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
Ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Current licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania.
Current Basic Life Support certification through an American Heart Association-approved CPR and AED curriculum.
Act 33 clearance with renewal.
Act 34 clearance with renewal.
Act 73 FBI clearance with renewal.
A nursing refresher course may be required if the employee has not worked in an acute-care setting during their most recent three consecutive years of professional employment.
Must be available to work on both Adult and Adolescent Units.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
One to two years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care for assigned psychiatric patients.
Coordinate, direct, and participate as an effective interdisciplinary team member.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through education, professional publications, networks, and professional societies.
Deliver quality care in accordance with therapeutic standards, patient-care goals, hospital and nursing standards, the Pennsylvania Nurse Practice Act, and other applicable regulations.
Follow infection-control, medication administration and storage, and controlled-substance procedures to protect patients and employees.
Document patient care in patient and department records and communicate actions, irregularities, and ongoing needs to nursing teams using Nurse Knowledge Exchange techniques.
Maintain patient confidentiality and identify patient-care requirements through rapport with patients and others who can help clarify care needs.
Provide emotional, psychological, and spiritual support to patients, friends, and families; promote patient independence through care goals, education, and answers to questions.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment and seek assistance from health-care support personnel when needed.
Resolve patient needs through multidisciplinary strategies and support cooperation, communication, quality improvement, and problem-solving among care teams.
Maintain and troubleshoot equipment, arrange repairs, maintain equipment inventories, and evaluate equipment and techniques.
Monitor nursing supply inventory, anticipate and order needed supplies, verify receipt, and use supplies and equipment appropriately.
Process psychiatric emergencies as assigned by assessing patients and collaborating with psychiatrists on crisis resolution, commitments, and referrals to appropriate treatment facilities.
Provide patient safety in accordance with hospital and nursing department policies; coordinate management of agitated patients, assess escalating behavior, maintain yearly crisis-intervention skills, and ensure patient belongings are searched for potentially harmful items.
Demonstrate working knowledge of psychotropic medications; follow department protocols; administer, monitor, and document medication efficacy, side effects, and patient compliance; and educate patients and families about prescribed medications.
Conduct and facilitate medication, support, and educational groups, and serve as an information and referral source for families in these areas.
Provide patients with individualized educational materials.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
May serve as a coach and mentor for other department positions.