Behavioral Health RN

About the role

Palestine Regional Medical Center in Palestine, TX, a 150-bed hospital, is seeking a Registered Nurse–Psychiatric to provide direct and indirect patient care within a behavioral health setting. The hospital has recently earned the prestigious Leapfrog “A” Safety Grade, the Platinum Award for quality, and certification as a Chest Pain Center and Level IV Trauma facility.

Palestine Regional provides a range of comprehensive care, including the latest in diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services, both on an inpatient and outpatient basis. As an integral part of the local community, this role offers the chance to grow your career while making a real impact close to home.

Responsibilities

• Performs psychiatric assessments and formulates individualized care plans
• Monitors patient condition, evaluates responses to care, and updates treatment plans
• Administers medications and treatments as prescribed, including psychotropics
• Assists patients with activities of daily living and therapeutic routines
• Participates in therapeutic interventions including group, family, or individual sessions
• Provides patient and family education related to treatment plans, medications, and coping strategies
• Coordinates patient care with interdisciplinary team and supports discharge planning
• Engages in crisis intervention and behavioral de-escalation as needed
• Documents all assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately and timely
• Maintains confidentiality and fosters a safe, therapeutic environment
• Participates in staff training and orientation; acts as a role model for trauma-informed care

Requirements

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), required
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), preferred
• Current Registered Nurse license in the state of practice or Compact State RN license
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required within time frame specified in facility policy
• Handle With Care (HWC) or CPI certification required within time frame specified in facility policy
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) preferred

Skills

• Strong critical thinking, clinical judgment, and decision-making skills
• Proficient in behavioral health nursing principles, de-escalation techniques, and therapeutic communication
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, emotionally dynamic environment
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in EMR and familiarity with behavioral health documentation standards
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and advocate for patient needs
• Sensitivity to diverse cultural, religious, and psychosocial factors influencing care
• Physical and mental capacity to handle psychiatric emergencies and extended periods of activity

Qualifications

Six months of RN experience in a direct patient care setting preferred, with experience in behavioral health/psychiatric nursing strongly preferred.