RN WEEKEND - ADULT INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Independence Health System•Latrobe, PA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The RN assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care for assigned adult inpatient psychiatric patients and coordinates, directs, and participates as an effective member of the interdisciplinary team. The role provides direct and indirect patient care in accordance with the Pennsylvania Nurse Practice Act, hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and professional standards. The RN supports patient safety and quality of care, responds to psychiatric emergencies and crisis situations, assesses changes in patient behavior, and collaborates with psychiatrists and other team members to resolve crises and arrange appropriate treatment. The position also administers and monitors psychotropic medications, provides patient and family education, facilitates therapy and educational groups, and maintains accurate documentation and continuity of care. This role may involve rotating shifts, standby or on-call work, and local travel between system locations based on operational needs. The RN has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may coach and mentor other department positions. Special weekend rate applies.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
Strong leadership ability and good organizational skills.
Independent and critical-thinking skills and sound judgment.
Knowledge of the legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
Ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Current licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through an American Heart Association-approved CPR and AED program.
Act 33 clearance with renewal.
Act 34 clearance with renewal.
Act 73 FBI clearance with renewal.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
One to two years of psychiatric nursing experience.

Responsibilities

Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care for assigned psychiatric patients.
Coordinate, direct, and participate as an effective interdisciplinary team member.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through education, professional publications, networking, and participation in professional societies.
Ensure quality care by following therapeutic standards, evaluating outcomes against goals and standards, making or recommending adjustments, and complying with applicable nursing standards and regulations.
Follow infection-control, medication administration and storage, and controlled-substance procedures to protect patients and employees.
Document patient care in patient and department records and communicate actions, irregularities, and ongoing needs to maintain continuity among nursing teams.
Protect confidential patient information.
Establish rapport with patients and others to identify care requirements, and provide emotional, psychological, and spiritual support to patients and their families.
Promote patient independence by setting care goals, teaching patients and families about conditions, medications, and self-care, and answering questions.
Maintain a safe and clean environment and request assistance from health care support personnel when needed.
Resolve patient problems and needs using multidisciplinary team strategies; communicate with health care teams and participate in continuous quality improvement and problem-solving.
Complete preventive maintenance requirements for equipment, troubleshoot malfunctions, arrange repairs, maintain equipment inventories, and evaluate new equipment and techniques.
Monitor nursing supplies, anticipate needs, order and verify supplies, and use supplies and equipment appropriately.
Assess patients and deliver direct and indirect care in accordance with the Pennsylvania Nurse Practice Act, hospital policies, procedures, protocols, and professional standards.
Process psychiatric emergencies as assigned by assessing patient condition, collaborating with psychiatrists on crisis resolution, processing commitments, and referring patients to appropriate treatment facilities.
Provide for patient safety, facilitate and coordinate care in crisis situations, recognize changes in patient behavior and act accordingly, update crisis intervention skills annually, and ensure patient belongings are searched for potentially harmful items.
Demonstrate working knowledge of psychotropic medications; follow department protocols; administer, monitor, and document medication efficacy, side effects, and patient compliance; and educate patients and families about prescribed medications.
Conduct and facilitate medication, support, and educational groups; provide patients with individualized educational materials and serve as an information and referral source for families.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
May coach and mentor other positions in the department.