Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health

About the Role

Performs an age-specific plan of care for a designated group of patients using the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Collaborates with physicians and other health team members in coordinating and implementing procedures and treatments. Uses leadership skills and clinical judgment in coordinating patient care and directing/delegating activities of the patient care unit team.

Responsibilities

• Conducts patient interviews, explains policies and procedures, reviews patient’s chart, and answers questions.
• Assesses gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, neurological health status, mobility, sensory deficits, prostheses use, skin condition, and pain level; adjusts plan of care accordingly.
• Communicates and documents patient’s physiologic and psychosocial health status, including cultural/ethnic requirements, coping mechanisms, and expectations of care.
• Identifies patient outcomes, develops criteria for measurement, and establishes individualized patient goals.
• Coordinates cost-effective use of supplies, equipment, and medication to achieve expected outcomes; collaborates with physicians and health team members.
• Implements the plan of care, ensuring safety precautions (e.g., side rails up, call lights within reach).
• Administers prescribed treatments, uses equipment safely, and provides emotional support to patients and significant others.
• Makes accurate observations of patient conditions, reports and records changes, and documents responses to interventions.
• Acts rapidly and effectively during emergencies, manages self and others, and maintains a calm environment.
• Participates in discharge planning, provides discharge instructions, and coordinates referrals.
• Evaluates care effectiveness, performs variance analysis, and documents outcomes for performance improvement.
• Collaborates with care team members in planning and carrying out treatment regimens; provides direction to team members.
• Accurately interprets and implements physician-prescribed treatment regimens; assists during treatments/procedures.
• Uses clinical judgment in delegating assignments and ensures timely completion.
• Performs decubitus care (grade I-IV), preventive skin care, simple dressings, warm/cold compresses, and irrigations.
• Administers medications safely, educates patients on drug/food interactions, and documents administration correctly.
• Provides patient and family education, explains conditions, and evaluates teaching effectiveness.
• Communicates assessment data to care team members and appropriate agencies.
• Performs early discharge planning and appropriate referrals for post-hospital care.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing preferred.
• Must be enrolled in an accredited BSN program within two years and obtain a BSN Degree within five years of job entry date.
• Current License to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State required, plus specialized certifications as needed.

Pay

The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation at the time of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. Factors considered may include location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, negotiated contracts, budget, and internal equity.