RN Behavioral Health Nurse (DAY SHIFT)

Masonicare Corp•Wallingford, CT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The RN Behavioral Health Nurse provides professional nursing care to emotionally disturbed and/or mentally ill patients in a behavioral health hospital unit. The role works with clinical and case management staff to coordinate care and assist with patient treatment plans, and practices evidence-based nursing. The position is based on a 50-bed Behavioral Health Hospital Unit at Masonicare Behavioral Health Hospital in Wallingford, Connecticut, and is scheduled for day shift, 32 hours per week, every other weekend. The nurse is professionally responsible and accountable for a group of patients, including medication and treatment administration, teaching, and supervision of nursing staff to support implementation of the interdisciplinary care plan. The nurse conducts intake and ongoing assessments, plans and provides nursing care, collaborates with patients, families, colleagues, and the interdisciplinary team, and helps maintain a safe and secure environment. The role also includes patient documentation, administrative assignments, participation in education and quality improvement activities, and supervision of care provided by CNAs and LPNs.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
Minimum one year of clinical experience, preferably in an acute and/or behavioral health capacity.
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 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 support the interdisciplinary care plan.
Conduct intake assessments by interviewing patients and relatives to gather case histories.
Perform ongoing, systematic assessments using the nursing process and establish a comprehensive, goal-directed interdisciplinary plan.
Plan and provide nursing care for patients.
Communicate and collaborate with patients, families, colleagues, and other interdisciplinary team members to ensure treatment meets patients’ ages, needs, and abilities and unit needs.
Administer psychotropic drugs and other medications and note patient reactions.
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 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 assignments, including filing, answering phones, typing, and completing progress notes in the computer system.
Provide courteous, high-quality service to patients and the public by responding to service 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, 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.