Registered Nurse (PRN)

High Plains Mental Health Center•Hays, KS

8d•$35 - $46•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 and clinical support to individuals experiencing acute mental health and substance use crises, monitoring physical and behavioral health and helping patients stabilize in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. The position is in person, works up to 28 hours per week on an as-needed basis, and seeks night or overnight coverage. Full-time hours are also available. The RN conducts admission and ongoing assessments, monitors vital signs and clinical changes, administers medications, and provides medication education. The role includes crisis intervention, verbal de-escalation, trauma-informed care, safety precautions, emergency response, and compliance with state and facility requirements for restraints and seclusion. The RN also contributes to treatment planning, referrals and discharge coordination, patient and family education, and accurate clinical documentation. The posted pay is $35–$46 per hour based on experience, with shift differentials of $1–$3 more per hour and a $500 sign-on bonus. The organization offers specialized training in psychiatric nursing, crisis intervention, and de-escalation, along with opportunities for professional growth.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old.
Current Kansas RN licensure; an ADN or BSN is required.
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; an MVR will be checked.
Have no substance-related driving offenses within the past five years.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Conduct initial nursing assessments upon admission and ongoing assessments during patients’ stays.
Monitor vital signs, patient condition, medication responses, and other clinical concerns; communicate significant findings to medical providers.
Administer prescribed medications, monitor therapeutic effects and potential side effects, and provide medication education.
Provide nursing care and clinical support to people 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 patient safety precautions, including suicide prevention, self-harm prevention, 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 work with case managers on patient needs, referrals, and discharge planning.
Educate patients and families about medications, treatment recommendations, coping strategies, and follow-up care.
Maintain timely and accurate documentation of assessments, medication administration, clinical observations, interventions, and patient responses.
Maintain knowledge of psychiatric nursing, psychopharmacology, mental health disorders, and evidence-based behavioral health practices through training and continuing education.