RN Behavioral Health Nurse (DAY SHIFT)

Masonicare Corp•Wallingford, CT

About The Position

The RN 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, and practices evidence-based nursing. The role works day shift, 24 hours per week, every other weekend. The RN is professionally responsible and accountable for a group of patients, including medication and treatment administration, patient assessments and care planning, and supervision of nursing staff to support implementation of interdisciplinary care plans. The nurse communicates and collaborates with patients, families, colleagues, and the interdisciplinary team to provide appropriate treatment and maintain a safe and secure environment.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

BSN preferred.
Clinical experience in an acute and/or Behavioral Health capacity 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 interdisciplinary care plans.
Conduct intake assessments through interviews with patients and relatives to gather case histories.
Perform ongoing, systematic assessments using the nursing process and establish comprehensive, goal-directed interdisciplinary plans.
Plan and provide nursing care for patients.
Communicate and collaborate with patients, families, colleagues, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure treatment meets patients’ ages, needs, and abilities, as well as unit needs.
Administer psychotropic drugs and other medications and note patient reactions.
Arrange further medical attention when necessary.
Assist clients in understanding emotional disturbances and accepting the need for treatment.
Help maintain a safe and secure environment for staff and patients.
Assess vital signs related to 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 according to standard medical recordkeeping practices.
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, resident profile, policies, and procedures.
Participate in educational programs, in-services, meetings, and workshops, and use current literature to enhance professional skills and knowledge.
Attend all annual mandatory programs.
Participate in quality improvement activities as directed.
Follow standards of the Diligent Minimal Lift Program.
Perform other duties as required.