RN Intake (11a-11:30p)

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital•Bakersfield, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital (BBHH) is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) for its Inpatient units. This RN position focuses on reviewing referral packets to determine patient eligibility for admission. The role requires evaluating medical history, psychiatric diagnosis, acuity, risk factors, and medical stability to ensure BBHH can safely and appropriately meet patient needs. The ideal candidate will possess strong clinical judgment, knowledge of psychiatric standards of care, regulatory awareness (California law, CMS Conditions of Participation, Joint Commission standards), and the ability to assess admission risk. BBHH is a fast-paced environment that values critical thinking, teamwork, and excellent communication, operating under a CARES values system (Compassion, Acceptance, Respect, Empowerment, 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
Experience reviewing referral packets or conducting medical necessity reviews, consents, contraband, patient belongings, etc.
Current CPR certification (or obtain prior to start date)
Completion of 'Handle-With-Care' Physical Restraint Technique Training during orientation

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a mental healthcare hospital environment with a focus 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 sound leadership skills in organizing activities and schedules for medical and/or non-medical tasks on the unit.
Consistently showcase high-quality clinical and interpersonal skills.
Display basic knowledge of treatment procedures and interventions common to acute psychotic and non-violent crisis intervention practice.
Apply basic knowledge of abnormal psychology to patient care and use medical terminology in psychiatric care.
Demonstrate thorough familiarity with psychiatric care and the use of psychotropic medications.
Utilize basic teaching and training skills.
Apply problem-solving skills.
Facilitate and/or co-facilitate process-oriented and didactic groups.
Perform reviews of referral packets, conduct medical necessity reviews, and check consents, contraband, and patient belongings.