RN Behavioral Health Nurse (DAY SHIFT)

Masonicare Behavioral Health Hospital – Wallingford, CT

Day Shift / 24hrs/wk / EOW

**This role will work on a 50 bed Behavioral Health Hospital Unit**

The Behavioral Health Nurse provides professional nursing care to emotionally disturbed and/or mentally ill patients for Behavioral Health. Works with clinical and case management staff to coordinate care and assist in treatment plans for patients; and to perform related work. Practices Evidence-Based nursing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assumes the professional responsibility and accountability for a group of residents/patients including:
   1. Medication/Treatment Administration
   2. Teaching
   3. Supervision of all nursing staff to assure implementation of the interdisciplinary care plan.

1. Conducts intake assessments through interviews with patients and relatives to gather case history. Performs ongoing and systematic assessments utilizing the nursing process to establish a comprehensive goal directed interdisciplinary plan.

1. Plans and provides nursing care for patients.
2. Communicates and collaborates effectively with residents/patients, families, colleagues and other members of the interdisciplinary team to assure that treatment is appropriate to meet the age, needs and abilities of resident/patient and unit needs.

1. Administers and notes reactions to psychotropic drugs and other medications. Arranges further medical attention when necessary.
2. Assists the client in understanding the nature of emotional disturbances and accepting the need for treatment.
3. Assists in maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and patients.
4. Tests for vital signs of pain and ensures treatments of pain.
5. Documents all patient information on medical charts and follows physician’s written orders.
6. Maintains patient confidentiality.
7. Maintains accurate records and documentation of patient treatments, immunizations and laboratory results according to standard medical recordkeeping.
8. Performs administrative assignments such as filing, answering phones, typing, and completing progress notes in the computer system.
9. Provides courteous, high quality service to patients and members of the public by personally responding to requests for service or making appropriate referral.

1. Supervises the care provided by CNAs & LPNs assuring adherence to the plan of care, resident profile, policies and procedures.

1. Participates in educational programs, inservices, meetings and workshops and utilizes current literature to enhance professional skills and knowledge. Attends all annual mandatory programs.

1. Participates in quality improvement activities as directed.

1. Follows standards of the Diligent Minimal Lift Program.

1. Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduate of accredited school of nursing. BSN Preferred.

Experience: Minimum one year clinical experience, preferably in an acute and/or Behavioral Health capacity.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Current RN license in the State of Connecticut, in good standing

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