Registered Nurse - Texas Behavioral Health Center

UT Southwestern Medical Center•Dallas, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse works under the general supervision of a physician, advanced practice provider, and/or nursing leadership to provide nursing services in the care and treatment of patients at the Texas Behavioral Health Center. The center is a state-funded psychiatric hospital in Dallas’ Southwestern Medical District, owned by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and operated by UT Southwestern Medical Center. It provides patient-centered behavioral health care for adults, children, and adolescents in a modern environment designed to promote recovery. The nurse assesses patients’ physical, psychosocial, and emotional needs; develops, implements, and evaluates individualized care plans; coordinates care with the interdisciplinary team; and provides patient and family education. The role also supports patient safety and quality initiatives, follows nursing policies and professional standards, and may provide guidance and support to colleagues and students.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved or accredited nursing program.
Able to read, write, and communicate in English.
One year of RN experience; specialty areas may require additional experience based on unit or standard-of-care requirements.
Current Texas or BNE Compact State nursing license.
Current Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
Complete Crisis Prevention Institute certification training within 30 days of hire.
Ability to perform all CPI APS physical holds.
Ability to care for behavioral health and substance abuse patients across applicable age groups.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN).
Professional certification in a nursing organization.

Responsibilities

Perform and accurately document physical, psychosocial, and emotional assessments, considering age-specific criteria for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
Anticipate patient and family needs and use assessment information to develop appropriate plans of care.
Use critical thinking to plan and prioritize nursing care, and maintain competencies according to unit expectations.
Identify and implement appropriate nursing interventions, then document them accurately and promptly.
Coordinate the interdisciplinary plan of care and collaborate with members of the health care team.
Share patient observations and information in a manner that advocates for optimal patient care.
Identify and report changes in patient condition and take appropriate follow-up action.
Involve patients in their care plans and keep patients, families, and caregivers informed.
Evaluate interventions and modify care as needed, documenting changes accurately and promptly.
Follow hospital and nursing policies, procedures, clinical pathways, and nationally accepted nursing standards.
Provide timely education to patients, families, significant others, and caregivers; document education and assess understanding.
Communicate effectively based on individual patient needs and learning preferences.
Welcome and orient patients and their families or caregivers to the unit, encourage participation in care, review the care plan each shift, update whiteboards, and set daily goals with patient input.
Explain special diets, tests, procedures, and medications in appropriate, understandable language.
Make hourly patient rounds and communicate when returning.
Advocate for resources and support that enhance patient safety and unit or hospital initiatives.
Participate in evaluating data used to guide unit or department budget formulation and implementation.
Provide constructive peer feedback and hold coworkers accountable for behavior and compliance with policies and standards.
Intervene when patient safety is at risk and participate in patient care and quality or safety initiatives.
Share professional and technical information with colleagues and students, and serve as a resource to others as needed.
Perform CPI APS physical holds and provide care for behavioral health and substance abuse patients across applicable age groups.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage.
100% coverage for preventive healthcare with no copay.
Paid time off available day one.
Retirement programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
Paid parental leave.
Wellness programs.
Tuition reimbursement.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer.
On-site childcare.
Paid holidays.
Merit increases.