Rn - Behavioral Health Unit

The Registered Nurse will be responsible for the oversight of the daily, round-the-clock care of the Behavioral Health Unit patients.

The Registered Nurse will be responsible for medication administration, order entry, nursing documentation, continual assessment, receiving and following physician orders.

The Registered Nurse will function as a member of the multidisciplinary team.

The Registered Nurse will assist in the maintenance of the therapeutic milieu

• Begins a Patient Care Plan for identified Nursing Problems upon admission and keeps this Care Plan individualized, updated and current.
• Ensures that every patient is bathed every day.
• Continually behaves in a supportive, professional manner toward all patients.
• Readily accepts additional duties.
• Immediately removes any item deemed unsafe and informs the nursing staff.
• Documents medication administration.
• The Registered Nurse will maintain regular contact with hospital departments for information, and to coordinate services.
• Accepts constructive criticism.
• Documents on assigned patients upon beginning and ending of shift, an extensive narrative note and any incidents or unusual occurrences.
• Oversees visiting hours and ensures visitors sign visitor log.
• Contacts physician to report any unexpected symptoms.
• Makes suggestions for in-service programs.
• Attends 90% of Mandatory Meetings.
• Treats patients, visitors, physicians and coworkers with courtesy, dignity and respect.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
• Responsible for completing the pre-admission screening process when needed.
• Serves as a team leader in developing a professional culture in the program.
• Adheres to established Dress Code.
• Interacts with referral sources in a pleasant and knowledgeable manner.
• Does not accrue any unauthorized overtime.
• Constantly strives to keep a positive atmosphere on the unit.
• Supervises patients throughout the day and night.
• Takes necessary self-precautions, and manages both patients and employees against infectious diseases. Also, insures environmental precautions when handling supplies and waste.
• Completes all discharge paperwork gathering signatures of patient, educating patient, educating family, passing orders to the next level of care, calling report, discharging patient from the computer system and informing other departments.
• Attends all hospital education and training programs.
• Is knowledgeable regarding the psychiatric diagnosis, treatments and medications.
• Assists with gathering patients while physicians make rounds.
• Keeps neat and accurate records.
• The Registered Nurse will maintain regular contact with patients, nursing staff, physicians, referral sources and families.
• Maintains a positive attitude.
• Enters orders and ensures they are completed.
• Ensures that the discharged patient is well dressed and groomed prior to transporting.
• Oversees the admissions process for each patient.
• Administers medication observing the 5 rights.
• Attends and actively participates in the Multidisciplinary Treatment Team.
• Act as a resource and role model for other staff and students.
• Continually monitors all areas of the unit for contraband items or safety issues.
• Appropriately answers the telephone in a professional, business-like manner.
• Attends Hospital and Unit in-service programs.

Required

Preferred

Education

Associate’s degree from an accredited nursing school

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing school

Experience

Minimum of three (3) years in clinical environment.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

Arkansas Registered Nursing Licensure or Compact State.

BLS certification

CPI within 6 months of hire

ACLS certification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the psychiatric patient, disease process, medications and treatment.

Excellent written and communication skills.

Effective communication skills among peers, managers and staff.

Physical demands require the ability to lift, push, pull, stand sit and walk distances without restriction.

Meditech and/or other related medical office software a plus.