Registered Nurse

Discovery Behavioral Health•Shawnee, KS

120d•$35 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse is a member of a multidisciplinary team delivering compassionate, evidence-based care in alignment with the Discovery Behavioral Health Clinical Model. The RN serves as a clinical expert and patient advocate, supporting patient safety, stability, and progress through skilled assessment, intervention, and collaboration. The role integrates medical and behavioral healthcare and helps maintain a therapeutic environment grounded in trust, dignity, and clinical excellence. The RN evaluates potential admissions, completes nursing assessments and admission processes, develops care plans, assesses medical and behavioral risks, performs basic clinical procedures, administers and manages medications, and supports patients throughout treatment and discharge. The RN collaborates with providers, families, referral sources, and the interdisciplinary team; provides education; maintains accurate documentation and regulatory compliance; and supports a safe, organized treatment environment. Additional responsibilities vary by program. Residential treatment nurses provide patient transportation and supervision when qualified to drive a company vehicle. Nurses in the Substance and Mental Health Use Disorder Division monitor CIWA/COW scores and detoxification protocols, understand withdrawal-related medications and complications, and assist Utilization Review with nursing information. Eating Disorder Division nurses support meal supervision, follow the applicable clinical and dietary models, and maintain NG tubes and administer bolus feeds where applicable. This is a full-time, onsite position in Shawnee, Kansas, scheduled Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The stated pay range for RNs is $35–$45 per hour.

Requirements

Current RN license in good standing.
Ability to draw blood.
Current Basic Life Support (CPR and First Aid) certification.
Obtain CPI certification within 90 days of hire.
Knowledge of industry standards, nursing organization, theory, principles, and research processes; accreditation and regulatory standards; clinical care requirements based on nursing principles; and scope of practice.
Knowledge of medications, indications, dosage ranges, side effects, and potential toxicity.
For residential treatment transportation duties, pre-qualification to drive a company vehicle.
For Eating Disorder Division positions, obtain Serv Safe certification within 90 days of hire if applicable.
For Eating Disorder Division positions, follow the CFD Clinical Model and Dietary CARE model and refrain from comments or actions that directly contradict them.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred; an Associate Degree in Nursing is accepted.
One year of experience preferred in mental health, substance use, or eating disorders.
Experience as a staff nurse, preferably in chemical dependency and/or behavioral health.
Familiarity with behavior change, recovery models, and treatment methods.

Responsibilities

Evaluate potential admissions face-to-face for medical appropriateness and collaborate with medical or psychiatric providers to obtain admission orders.
Support admissions, including belongings checks and safety searches as needed.
Complete comprehensive initial nursing assessments and facilitate the medical admission process.
Develop and initiate Nursing Care Plans as appropriate.
Assess medical concerns, including suicidality and risk of harm to self or others, and communicate findings to appropriate clinical team members.
Perform vital signs, basic evaluative procedures, tests, and blood draws.
Provide primary first aid and determine when physician notification is needed.
Maintain a safe, structured therapeutic milieu and support patients during treatment, including supervision during community outings in accordance with state regulations.
Assist with discharge and continuity-of-care readiness.
Maintain an organized, safe, and therapeutic environment for patients and staff.
Carry out provider orders accurately and promptly, verify medication informed consent before the first dose, administer prescribed and PRN medications, and document effectiveness within required timelines.
Oversee medication planning, storage, ordering, transcription, administration, monitoring, and evaluation; ensure required medications are available at the facility.
Follow narcotic diversion protocols and complete required processes each shift.
Collaborate with medical staff and the interdisciplinary treatment team regarding patient care, needs, and interventions.
Communicate with families and loved ones, as appropriate, and establish rapport with patients through professional, compassionate, respectful interactions.
Provide health education to patients and staff.
Communicate with referral sources and outpatient providers at admission, midpoint, and discharge as needed to support continuity of care.
Manage patient medical needs, including appointments, referrals, and prior authorizations for necessary treatments and tests.
Document patient progress objectively, accurately, and within required timelines; maintain accurate medication, assessment, and care records.
Ensure clinical practices comply with regulatory standards and organizational expectations.
Maintain a stocked, organized, operational nursing station and demonstrate professionalism, initiative, and accountability.
Communicate scheduling needs in a timely manner, including time-off requests and securing appropriate coverage.
Contribute to teamwork and shared responsibility, including performing additional duties as assigned.
For residential treatment, provide patient transportation and supervision, including transportation to medical appointments, if pre-qualified to drive a company vehicle.
For the Substance and Mental Health Use Disorder Division, monitor CIWA/COW scores for patients on detoxification protocols; apply knowledge of detoxification medication, withdrawal symptoms, and medical complications; and assist Utilization Review with pertinent nursing information.
For the Eating Disorder Division, sit with patients for at least one meal or snack per week and provide coverage as needed; work during meal periods to supervise and support patients; follow the CFD Clinical Model and Dietary CARE model; and maintain NG tubes and administer bolus feeds where applicable.
Maintain full adherence to Center for Discovery policies and procedures.