RN Psychiatric Emergency Room

Job Summary:

The Registered Nurse (RN) in the Psychiatric Emergency Room (Psych ER) provides specialized nursing care focused on psychiatric patients. This role involves conducting intake assessments, planning and delivering nursing care, administering medications including psychotropic drugs, and collaborating with psychiatrists and behavioral health staff to develop treatment plans. The RN ensures patient safety, maintains accurate documentation, and performs administrative duties while providing compassionate, high-quality care. A minimum of two years of RN experience, NY state licensure, BLS certification, and telemetry skills are required. Responsibilities:

• Conduct intake assessments through interviews with patients and relatives to gather case history.
• Plan and provide nursing care tailored to the medical and emotional status of psychiatric patients.
• Make nursing diagnoses and recommend appropriate treatment options.
• Consult with psychiatrists and behavioral health staff to design treatment plans.
• Administer psychotropic drugs and other medications, monitoring for reactions.
• Arrange further medical attention when necessary.
• Assist clients in understanding their emotional disturbances and treatment needs.
• Maintain a safe and secure environment for staff and patients.
• Monitor vital signs, assess pain, and ensure proper pain management.
• Document all patient information, treatments, and follow physician orders accurately.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and accurate medical records.
• Perform administrative duties such as filing, answering phones, typing, and completing progress notes in electronic systems.
• Provide courteous and professional service to patients and the public.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Active Registered Nurse license in New York State.
• Minimum two years of RN experience, preferably in psychiatric or emergency care.
• BLS certification from the American Heart Association.
• Telemetry skills and experience.
• Strong clinical assessment and medication administration skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to document accurately and maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Experience working in psychiatric emergency or behavioral health settings.
• Familiarity with electronic medical record systems, such as EPIC.

Special Considerations:

• Work involves weekend blocked schedules and rotational day/night shifts.
• On-call, holiday, callback, and charge nurse duties as needed.
• Must maintain a safe environment for psychiatric patients and staff.
• Compliance with hospital policies regarding patient confidentiality and safety.

Scheduling:

• 48 hours per week with weekend blocked shifts.
• Rotational day and night shifts.
• Shift assignments based on unit needs including holidays and on-call rotations.