RN Behavioral Health Nurse (DAY SHIFT)

Masonicare Corp•Wallingford, CT

3d•$40 - $52•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Nurse provides professional nursing care to emotionally disturbed and/or mentally ill patients in a 50-bed Behavioral Health Hospital Unit. The nurse works with clinical and case management staff to coordinate care and assist with patient treatment plans, practicing evidence-based nursing. This position is scheduled for day shift, 24 hours per week, with every-other-weekend work. The RN assumes responsibility and accountability for a group of patients, including medication and treatment administration, teaching, and supervision of nursing staff to ensure implementation of the interdisciplinary care plan. The nurse conducts intake and ongoing assessments, plans and provides care, collaborates with patients, families, colleagues, and the interdisciplinary team, administers medications and monitors reactions, supports patients in understanding and accepting treatment, and helps maintain a safe environment. The role also involves documentation, recordkeeping, administrative tasks, supervision of CNA and LPN care, continuing education, quality improvement activities, and adherence to the Diligent Minimal Lift Program.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
Minimum of one year of clinical experience.
Current RN license in the State of Connecticut, in good standing.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
Clinical experience in an acute care and/or Behavioral Health setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Assume professional responsibility and accountability for a group of patients, including medication and treatment administration, teaching, and supervision of nursing staff to ensure implementation of the interdisciplinary care plan.
Conduct intake interviews and ongoing, systematic assessments to gather case history and develop a comprehensive, goal-directed interdisciplinary plan.
Plan and provide nursing care for patients.
Communicate and collaborate with patients, families, colleagues, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure treatment meets patient and unit needs.
Administer psychotropic drugs and other medications, document reactions, and arrange further medical attention when necessary.
Help patients understand the nature of emotional disturbances and accept the need for treatment.
Help maintain a safe and secure environment for staff and patients.
Assess vital signs and pain, and ensure pain is treated.
Document patient information in medical charts and follow physicians’ written orders.
Maintain patient confidentiality and accurate records of treatments, immunizations, and laboratory results.
Perform administrative tasks such as filing, answering phones, typing, and completing progress notes in the computer system.
Provide courteous, high-quality service to patients and members of the public by responding to requests or making appropriate referrals.
Supervise care provided by CNAs and LPNs to ensure adherence to the plan of care, patient profile, policies, and procedures.
Participate in educational programs, in-services, meetings, workshops, and quality improvement activities; use current literature to enhance professional skills and knowledge; and attend mandatory annual programs.
Follow standards of the Diligent Minimal Lift Program.
Perform other duties as required.