Registered Nurse-Adult Psych, Full Time Days

Summary

Plans and implements professional nursing care for patients in accordance with hospital policies. Assumes charge nurse responsibilities as assigned.

Major Job Functions

• Affirms patient care needs through assessment
• Organizes appropriate patient care
• Implements and evaluates patient care
• Maintains a safe environment
• Maintains required competencies
• Functions as charge nurse as assigned
• Maintains an accurate and relevant record of patient care
• Administers medication as ordered by physician
• Recognizes life-threatening situations and responds appropriately
• Fosters collaborative interdisciplinary relationships
• Maintains quality of care based on outcome-oriented indicators
• Participates in cost containment and accurate charging for patient services
• Adjusts care based on age-specific physiological and psychosocial needs
• Supports patients in practicing their cultural and spiritual beliefs within limits of medical regimen

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Nursing or equivalent required
• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing preferred
• Current licensure in North Carolina as a Registered Nurse or Compact state licensure

Unit Description

The APU Unit is a 32-bed facility designed specifically to provide help to patients and their families during periods of acutely exacerbated psychiatric illness in the CFVHS service area. The unit is a short-term treatment program with an average length of stay of 5-10 days. Some patients are under Involuntary Commitment (IVC) status. Target population: Adults (18+) experiencing acute mental health crisis, including but not limited to: Psychotic disorders (e.g., Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder), Mood disorders (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder), Anxiety disorders (e.g., Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder), Substance use disorders with co-occurring mental health conditions, Personality disorders with acute exacerbations, Trauma-related disorders (e.g., PTSD).

Services Provided

• 24/7 Nursing Care: Registered nurses provide continuous monitoring, medication administration, and support.
• Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment: Board-certified psychiatrists conduct comprehensive assessments, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medication.
• Individual Therapy: Psychotherapists offer one-on-one counseling to address individual needs and promote coping skills.
• Group Therapy: Facilitated group sessions provide a supportive environment for patients to share experiences, learn coping mechanisms, and develop social skills.
• Medication Management: Close monitoring and adjustment of medications to ensure effectiveness and minimize side effects.
• Case Management: Connecting patients with aftercare resources, including outpatient therapy, support groups, and community services.
• Milieu Therapy: A structured therapeutic environment designed to promote healing and recovery through daily activities, social interaction, and therapeutic programming.
• Crisis Stabilization: Focus on de-escalating acute symptoms and developing strategies for managing future crises.
• Discharge Planning: Collaborative planning with patients and their families to ensure a smooth transition back to the community and continued support.

Unit Features

• Secure Environment: Designed to ensure patient safety and prevent elopement.
• Therapeutic Environment: A calm and supportive atmosphere conducive to healing.
• Common Areas: Spaces for meals, group activities, and socialization.
• Private or Semi-Private Rooms: Accommodations for patients.
• Outdoor Areas: Opportunities for fresh air and recreation.

Care Team

• Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
• Residents in the Psychiatric Residency Program
• Psychotherapists
• Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants
• Recreational Therapists
• Registered Nurses
• Behavioral Health Technicians

Work Experience

We are looking for candidates who have at least 1-3 years of psychiatric experience highly preferred. Other experiences in different units are welcome (i.e. Med Surg, ED, ICU etc.).

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking the English language
• Demonstrates positive interpersonal skills
• Verbal and written skills required
• Has knowledge of the age-specific physiological and psychosocial, developmental and spiritual needs of the patients typically served

Physical Requirements

• Speech and auditory acuity for communication of patient needs
• Visual acuity for observation of patients
• Much standing, walking, bending, and lifting
• May involve skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious material
• Must be able to lift 35 pounds

Licenses And Certifications

• BLS - American Heart Association
• RN - Board Of Nursing

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cape Fear Valley Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity