RN Intake (Per Diem, Thursdays)

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital•Bakersfield, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital (BBHH) is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) for its Inpatient units. This RN position focuses on conducting comprehensive clinical reviews of referral packets to determine patient eligibility for admission. The role involves evaluating medical history, psychiatric diagnosis, acuity level, risk factors, exclusionary criteria, and medical stability to ensure the hospital can safely and appropriately meet patient needs. This fast-paced environment requires critical thinking, teamwork, and excellent communication. The ideal candidate will demonstrate sound leadership, compassion, and a strong understanding of psychiatric standards of care, regulatory awareness, and admission risk assessment in alignment with California law, CMS Conditions of Participation, and Joint Commission standards. BBHH is committed to being a great place to work, fostering individual growth, and upholding its CARES values: Compassion, Acceptance, Respect, Empowerment, and Sincerity.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Current California RN License
Minimum of two (2) years psychiatric nursing experience (acute inpatient preferred)
Strong knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses, risk stratification, and medical comorbidities
Demonstrated ability to independently analyze clinical information and exercise sound judgment
Working knowledge of Title 22, CMS, and Joint Commission standards related to psychiatric facilities
Strong written documentation skills
Current CPR certification or ability to obtain prior to start date

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a mental healthcare hospital environment focusing on assessments of human behavior, psychiatry, psychology, or other mental healthcare situations.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive clinical reviews of referral packets to determine patient eligibility for admission.
Evaluate medical history, psychiatric diagnosis, acuity level, risk factors, exclusionary criteria, and medical stability.
Ensure the hospital can safely and appropriately meet the patient’s needs.
Utilize sound clinical judgment, knowledge of psychiatric standards of care, and regulatory awareness.
Assess admission risk in alignment with California law, CMS Conditions of Participation, and Joint Commission standards.
Demonstrate leadership skills in organizing activities and schedules for medical and/or non-medical tasks on the unit.
Showcase high-quality clinical and interpersonal skills.
Display basic knowledge of treatment procedures and interventions common to acute psychotic and non-violent crisis intervention.
Apply basic knowledge of abnormal psychology to patient care and use medical terminology in psychiatric care.
Demonstrate thorough familiarity with psychiatric medications and their use.
Utilize basic teaching and training skills.
Problem-solve effectively.
Manage tasks with exceptional organizational and time management skills.
Employ crisis intervention skills.
Communicate effectively in written and oral English.
Facilitate or co-facilitate process-oriented and didactic groups.
Review referral packets or conduct medical necessity reviews, consents, contraband, and patient belongings checks.