Registered Nurse - Texas Behavioral Health Center

UT Southwestern Medical Center • Dallas, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse provides nursing services in the care and treatment of patients under the general supervision of a physician, advanced practice provider, and/or nursing leadership. The role is based at the Texas Behavioral Health Center, a state-funded psychiatric hospital in Dallas’ Southwestern Medical District, operated by UT Southwestern Medical Center. The center is designed to provide patient-centered behavioral health treatment to adult, child, and adolescent patients in a modern, healing environment.

The nurse assesses patients’ physical, psychosocial, and emotional needs; develops and coordinates individualized plans of care; implements and evaluates nursing interventions; and documents care accurately and promptly. The role involves collaboration with the interdisciplinary healthcare team, patient and family education, patient advocacy, and participation in patient safety and quality improvement. Nurses are expected to maintain unit competencies and follow hospital policies, professional standards, and evidence-based practices. The position also requires the ability to perform CPI APS physical holds and care for behavioral health and substance abuse patients across age groups.

Requirements

• Graduate of an approved or accredited nursing program, as defined by the applicable Texas Board of Nursing requirements.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
• At least 1 year of RN experience; specialty areas may require additional experience based on unit or standard of care.
• Current Texas or Nursing Licensure Compact state nursing license.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• Complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) 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 the facility’s age groups.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Professional certification through a nursing organization.

Responsibilities

• Perform and accurately document physical, psychosocial, and emotional assessments, taking age-specific criteria into account for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
• Anticipate patient and family needs and use assessment findings to develop and prioritize an appropriate plan of care.
• Identify and implement nursing interventions based on assessment findings, and document them accurately and promptly.
• Coordinate the interdisciplinary plan of care and collaborate with members of the healthcare team, advocating for optimal patient care.
• Recognize and report changes in patient condition, take appropriate follow-up action, and keep patients and families informed.
• Evaluate interventions and modify the plan of care as needed, documenting changes accurately and promptly.
• Follow hospital and Department of Nursing policies, procedures, clinical pathways, and accepted nursing standards; provide safe, quality, evidence-based care.
• Provide timely education to patients, families, significant others, and caregivers; assess understanding and document education, including discharge planning.
• Welcome and orient patients and families to the unit; encourage participation in care, review the plan each shift, update whiteboards, set daily goals, explain care and procedures, and make hourly rounds.
• Advocate for resources and support that advance patient safety and unit or hospital initiatives; participate in evaluating data for budget formulation and implementation.
• Provide constructive peer evaluations, uphold coworker accountability, and intervene when patient safety is at risk.
• Participate in performance-improvement efforts related to patient care, safety, satisfaction, core measures, and infection control.
• Share professional and technical information with colleagues and students and serve as a resource, preceptor, charge nurse, mentor, or unit expert as needed.
• Perform CPI APS physical holds and provide care for behavioral health and substance abuse patients across age groups.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available on the first day at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage.
• Preventive healthcare coverage at 100% with no copay.
• Paid time off available on the first day.
• Retirement programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
• Paid parental leave.
• Wellness programs.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer.
• Competitive benefits package including healthcare, paid holidays, and on-site childcare.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree