Behavioral Health Nurse Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Be a Registered Nurse licensed in the state where practicing and residing.
• Qualify through one of the stated education and experience pathways: a master’s degree with a psychiatric or mental health nursing specialty and the specified psychiatric nursing experience; a bachelor’s degree in nursing and at least 1 year of recent psychiatric nursing experience; or a nursing diploma or associate degree and at least 2 years of recent psychiatric nursing experience. The listed experience is recommended to be within the last 3 years and in an acute psychiatric treatment unit, psychiatric home care, psychiatric partial hospitalization program, or other outpatient psychiatric services.
• Have current CPR certification.
• Have basic clinical skills.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Have general computer knowledge and the ability to learn industry-specific software applications.
• Demonstrate excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Have excellent organizational and time-management skills and keen attention to detail.
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Be able to develop critical-thinking skills, research situations, solve complex problems, and deal with a variety of issues.
• Be able to learn and complete educational goals during orientation.

Nice To Haves

• A minimum of 2 years of home health experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial patient assessments and help develop plans of care in coordination with the patient’s physician or allowed practitioner and Clinical Manager.
• Manage medical illness according to the plan of care and perform psychobiological interventions.
• Review medications comprehensively; educate patients and caregivers about medication regimens, administration, actions, side effects, indications, and contraindications; evaluate medication compliance; and administer IM or IV medication.
• Manage crises, assess potential self-harm or harm to others, and refer concerns to treating physicians as necessary.
• Teach patients, families, and caregivers to manage treatment regimens, practice self-care, promote mental and physical well-being and independence, and understand patient rights.
• Promote a safe and therapeutic environment for patients and caregivers.
• Provide supportive counseling, psychotherapy, psychotherapeutic interventions, and psychoeducation within the scope of education and licensure.
• Evaluate and manage patient care plans on an ongoing basis; provide counseling or coordinate with a social worker to ensure counseling is available.
• Document evaluation, psychotherapy, and teaching activities in accordance with coverage guidelines and applicable standards.
• Provide ordered general nursing interventions, including phlebotomy, wound care, infusion, ostomy care, and catheter care.
• Manage cases to enhance patient outcomes and coordinate care with other disciplines.
• Monitor patient conditions and report changes to the Clinical Manager and the patient’s physician or allowed practitioner when indicated.
• Obtain, document, and execute orders from the patient’s physician or allowed practitioner.
• Meet state, local, payer, company, and regulatory requirements; ensure documentation reflects care provided and is completed within required timeframes.
• Participate in after-hours coverage, including weekends and holidays, when necessary and requested.
• Supervise care provided by Licensed Practical Nurses and Home Health Aides when indicated.
• Follow universal precautions and infection-control standards; disinfect, sanitize, and transport patient-care equipment and supplies appropriately; and use proper medical-waste disposal techniques.
• Report incidents according to agency policy and regulatory standards.
• Provide professional guidance to referral sources and internal operational staff to support patient and referral-source satisfaction.
• Support staff development and provide one-on-one clinical training to field RNs and LPNs during home visits.
• Collaborate with the Clinical Manager, Branch Director, and/or Administrator to ensure ongoing staff competencies.
• Educate referral sources about agency services through in-services when requested.
• When requested, help grow market share and develop referral sources through account development, prospecting, lead generation, and sales calls within an assigned territory.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, patient-care conferences, in-services, and other requested meetings.
• Participate in the agency’s QAPI program by communicating identified problem areas and recommendations, attending periodic QAPI meetings, and contributing to performance-improvement projects as requested.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient-related information and honor patient rights.
• Perform other duties as assigned and within scope of practice.