RN- Senior Behavioral Health

Dardanelle Regional Medical Center•Dardanelle, AR

About The Position

The Senior Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible and accountable for the care of adult geriatric psychiatric patients in a 10-bed unit. Patients may have diagnoses such as Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, or other altered thought processes. The RN completes psychiatric nursing assessments, identifies and documents patient needs using subjective and objective data, and develops and implements nursing care plans with appropriate diagnoses, short- and long-term goals, and measurable, achievable interventions. The RN communicates patient concerns and changes in status, particularly behavioral changes; identifies teaching needs for patients, families, and significant others; maintains clinical competence; supports smooth intershift transitions; exercises responsible decision-making and professional judgment; and completes required documentation in a timely manner. The RN uses the nursing process and practices within the scope of the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act and the health system’s policies, procedures, and standards, demonstrating teamwork through effective collaboration. This is designated as a safety-sensitive position under Act 593 of the State of Arkansas. The posting states that an employee under the influence of marijuana constitutes a threat to patients and customers for whom Conway Regional provides or supports health care services.

Requirements

Current, active Registered Nurse license to practice in Arkansas.
More than six months of experience as a Registered Nurse.
Proof of high school or equivalent education, or higher education.
Successful completion of American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers before working independently from the preceptor.
If the RN has less than one year of RN experience, must obtain a BSN degree within four years of hire.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Assume responsibility and accountability for the care of adult geriatric psychiatric patients.
Complete a psychiatric nursing assessment for each assigned patient admitted to the unit.
Identify and document patient needs based on subjective and objective data.
Initiate a nursing care plan and identify and document nursing diagnoses based on the psychiatric nursing assessment.
Document long- and short-term goals in the nursing care plan.
Document and implement appropriate, measurable, and achievable nursing interventions.
Communicate patient concerns and changes in status, particularly behavioral changes.
Identify teaching needs of patients, families, and significant others.
Maintain clinical competence in providing patient care.
Assist in smooth intershift transitions.
Use responsible decision-making and professional judgment regarding patient care.
Complete required documentation in a timely manner.
Use the nursing process and practice within the scope of the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act and health system policies, procedures, and standards.
Demonstrate teamwork through effective collaboration.