RN PSYCH INPATIENT

Department: UPC Inpatient/Geriatrics – 0.90 FTE, Full Time, Days shift

About the Role

Provide professional nursing care for assigned patients in a mental health/psychiatric environment. Design nursing care plans and assist in the development of overall care plans for psychiatric patients, ensuring administration of appropriate care conducive to recovery. Patient care assignments may include pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups.

Responsibilities

• Interview, examine, and assess the health status of psychiatric patients with cognitive, emotional, developmental, social, and behavioral disorders.
• Observe patient behavior, activities, and mental status; perform triage and crisis intervention.
• Write treatment plans; coordinate patient drug and procedure activities; administer medication and treatment; provide and coordinate nursing care; may facilitate group therapy and/or education sessions.
• Chart and report observed symptoms, reactions, treatments, and changes in patients' conditions; collect and document data; may perform computerized data entry.
• Perform nursing intakes, draw blood and other patient specimens; may perform or coordinate laboratory tests.
• Educate patients and families on treatment regimens, management of side effects, and compliance with treatment plans; provide emotional support and act as an advocate for patients and families.
• Provide information and facilitate communication between physicians, medical students, staff, patients, families, and the community; coordinate and consult with a milieu of service providers.
• Follow established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives, including continuous quality improvement, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, reading current literature, attending in-services, meetings, and workshops.
• Perform various administrative functions such as monitoring expenditures and preparing reports; may participate in research projects to develop service plans and propose changes to program policies.
• Participate in orientation and, after completing preceptor training, assume precepting and evaluation responsibilities for new personnel.
• Assist with special tests and procedures, ensuring proper consent has been obtained.
• Assist with or institute emergency measures for sudden, adverse developments in patients.
• Administer medication, including IV medication, following the Seven Rights; document and communicate clinical findings.
• Maintain a safe, comfortable, and therapeutic environment for patients and families in accordance with hospital standards.
• Follow patient safety-related policies, procedures, and protocols; demonstrate a proactive approach to patient safety by seeking improvements.
• Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and situations that may put a patient at undue risk.
• Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors, and near misses in a timely manner.
• Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting concerns.

Requirements

• Graduate of a nationally accredited nursing program.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (nonessential).
• Current RN license in New Mexico or as allowed by reciprocal agreement.
• CPR for Healthcare/BLS Provider or Professional Rescuers within 30 days of hire.
• Obtain and maintain Aggressive Behavior Certification within 30 days of hire.
• 1 year of directly related experience.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo (nonessential).

Physical Conditions

• Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects or people.
• Working conditions involve significant hazards, including physical risk due to combative patients and exposure to chemicals/biohazardous materials requiring PPE.
• Tuberculosis testing completed upon hire and as required.

Pay

Shift differentials: 17% for Weekday Nights, 26% for Weekend Nights, and 15% for Weekend Days.

Compensation is based on experience, education, and other business and organizational considerations.

Benefits

• Sign-On Bonus Available
• Relocation Assistance Available