Lead Registered Nurse(DOH/NMBHI #13409)

About the role

The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute (NMBHI) provides care across six divisions: hospital-level inpatient psychiatric care for civil and forensic commitments, residential treatment for adolescents, outpatient care for behavioral health disorders, detox and residential substance use treatment, and skilled/long-term care. As the state’s largest behavioral health complex, NMBHI serves over 250 inpatients/residents daily and approximately 400 outpatient clients monthly, supported by more than 600 employees. This position exists to provide nursing care to meet the needs of patients in the Adult Psychiatric Division/CARE, to direct and guide direct‑care staff, and to implement nursing activities aligned with hospital goals. The incumbent serves patients/residents/clients.

Responsibilities

• Administer all types of medications, including oral and injectable, to relieve anxiety, control behavior, and treat physical problems.
• Perform various treatments ordered by physicians to assure patients’ optimal physical and mental well‑being.
• Provide direction and guidance to direct‑care staff and implement nursing activities toward common hospital goals.

Qualifications

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in New Mexico, or eligibility for such licensure per New Mexico requirements, or eligibility for a temporary license for employment at a specific New Mexico institution.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience relevant to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification.
• Possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license.
• Obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate.
• Successfully complete a post‑offer pre‑employment criminal records background check; employment is conditional on satisfactory results.
• Subject to nationwide criminal background checks; employment contingent on results.
• Subject to pre‑employment and random alcohol and/or drug testing per federal and state law.
• Successful completion of Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) training.
• Position is designated as safety‑sensitive.

Skills

• Experience caring for the mentally ill.
• Experience providing comprehensive nursing care.
• Experience administering all types of medications.
• Licensure in accordance with the Nursing Practice Act Section 61-3-2 through 61-3-31 NMSA 1978 and 16.12.1 through 16.12.20 NMAC, as applicable.

Pay

Salary $40.28 - $64.45 Hourly; $83,790 - $134,063 Annually.

Working Conditions

Work performed in a hospital and office setting with exposure to Video/Visual Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Exposure to mentally and behaviorally challenged residents who may exhibit unpredictable and sometimes violent behaviors in volatile situations. Effective 01/01/2015, NMBHI is a 100% Tobacco‑Free/E‑Cigarette‑Free Campus; tobacco, tobacco products, and e‑cigarette products are prohibited on campus.

Agency Contact: Michelle Garduno, (505)454-2392. For statutory requirements, see the Classification Description link on the job advertisement. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement; all terms/conditions apply.