Registered Nurse (RN)- Behavioral Health Unit

Mercy Cedar Rapids•Baltimore, MD

22h

About The Position

The Registered Nurse supports Mercy’s patient-centered care philosophy by providing safe, respectful, compassionate, and independent nursing care consistent with organizational standards, policies, and procedures. The nurse works with unit-specific team members to identify clinical problems, develop plans of care, and educate patients and families. For the Behavioral Health Unit, the nurse assesses and reassesses suicide risk using required tools, adapts care plans and interventions based on assessments, de-escalates patients in crisis, and monitors for withdrawal from alcohol and other substances. The nurse may conduct psychoeducational groups or provide individual education on diagnoses, symptom management, medication, wellness, and coping skills. This position is scheduled for 7 a.m.–7 p.m., three days per week, for 36 scheduled hours weekly.

Requirements

Current license to practice as a registered nurse in Iowa or a compact state.
Current Basic Life Support certification in accordance with the American Heart Association.
Complete Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse and Iowa Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training and submit proof to Human Resources before the start or transfer date.
Sound knowledge of basic nursing principles and procedures.
Competency in unit-specific skills and ability to provide safe, effective basic nursing care.
Ability to administer CPR.
Ability to lift up to 15 pounds frequently to waist and shoulder height; up to 50 pounds occasionally for patient transfers; and up to 100 pounds rarely for controlled falls.
Ability to lift 15 pounds overhead occasionally and push or pull horizontal forces of up to 20 pounds frequently, 35 pounds occasionally, and 50 pounds rarely.

Nice To Haves

Previous RN experience in an acute care setting is preferred.
Experience in mental health and/or chemical dependency is preferred for Behavioral Health.
Baccalaureate degree in Nursing is preferred.

Responsibilities

Communicate accurate, clinically relevant information to patients, families, and coworkers during handoffs and as needed.
Assess, plan, intervene, coordinate, and evaluate care based on each patient’s plan of care.
Continually assess patient and family needs and provide patient-centered care.
Apply critical thinking and judgment when implementing care plans, nursing interventions, and procedures.
Document nursing care accurately and in real time according to hospital policies and procedures.
Model professional conduct and help foster a healthy work environment that supports unit goals.
Treat patients, families, visitors, and coworkers with dignity and respect.
Direct other licensed and non-licensed personnel in providing patient care as assigned; delegate duties to appropriate staff.
Communicate effectively in an age-appropriate manner and respond to patients’ verbal and non-verbal needs, including fears, anxieties, and language or cultural barriers.
Respond to emergencies and life-threatening conditions within the scope of practice.
Promote patient safety throughout the patient experience and follow safety guidelines, reporting unsafe conditions, incidents, and injuries promptly.
Collaborate effectively with members of the healthcare team.
Provide ongoing education to patients and families.
Remain current with evidence-based practice, protocols, and procedures.
Assess and reassess suicide risk, and adjust care plans and interventions accordingly.
De-escalate patients in crisis to help prevent aggression toward themselves or others.
Conduct psychoeducational groups as needed and provide individual education on diagnosis, symptom management, medication, wellness, and coping skills.
Monitor patients for withdrawal from alcohol and other substances and follow protocols and assessment-based interventions.