Registered Nurse - Per Diem

Per Diem Registered Nurse

Alvarado Parkway Institute (API) is San Diego's leading provider of comprehensive mental health and substance abuse care. As a part of our Behavioral Healthcare system, API operates a free-standing 66 bed psychiatric hospital in La Mesa, California with three Intensive Outpatient/Partial Hospitalization Programs. These programs emphasize symptom management, community integration, and prevention of hospitalization or re-hospitalization.

API is currently seeking a qualified individual to join our team as a Per Diem Registered Nurse. The inpatient Registered Nurse is responsible for the delivery of quality general and psychiatric nursing care to all patients in the program. They serve actively and constructively as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, supporting the organization and program philosophy of care. The RN ensures the safety and well-being of each patient, and participates in the development and evaluation of treatment plans and updates.

Position requires availability for variable shifts and days including weekends.

API offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Benefits include a 401(k) retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, Paid Days Off (PDO), paid sick time, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), life insurance, Long Term Disability, Critical Illness/Hospital Protection/Accident Insurance Plans, and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

Responsibilities:

• Through a systematic process of interaction with the patient, the patient's significant others, and the appropriate health care providers, collects and analyzes data regarding the patient's physical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, educational, and anticipated discharge planning needs.
• Develops a comprehensive outline of care to be delivered to attain expected outcomes; includes in this plan specific goals and interventions delineating nursing actions unique to each patient's needs.
• Maintains effective communication with all units and departments; maintains designated lines of authority; functions within the policies and philosophies of the organization.
• Performs and supervises direct patient care as required.
• Works within budgetary constraints to include staffing, use of overtime and use of supplies and equipment.
• Identifies extra pyramidal side effects and their causes and responds to treatment of same
• Carries out medication management responsibilities associated with the treatment of acutely psychotic adults.
• Practices non-violent crisis intervention theory and techniques
• Communicates effectively with physician regarding patients' physical and mental condition.
• Conducts community meets, family groups, didactic and support groups, and education groups as assigned.
• Implements therapeutic AMA blocks.
• Provides input into discharge planning process.
• Represents Nursing Administration during assigned shift.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge of: Familiarity with medical and psychological terminology; skills in dealing courteously with the public and other staff within the organization; basic knowledge of human behavior or principles of psychology.
• Experience with adult psychiatric or geriatric patients; in addition to skills in teaching or assisting with activities of daily living.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Good understanding of the English language.
• Basic knowledge using audio-visual equipment.

Skills in:

• Demonstrates sound leadership and strong communication skills verbally and written.
• Organizes, directs, supervises, and evaluates professional and ancillary personnel.
• Excellent observations skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Demonstrates sound leadership skills and utilizes these skills in organizing the activities and schedules for medical and/or non-medical tasks of the Adult for a given shift.

Ability to:

• Must be able to multi-task and have great communication/observation skills.
• Maintain highly confidential information.
• Skilled in prioritizing and managing time; and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise self-control in potentially volatile situations, such as verbally or being physically confronted in a threatening or aggressive manner.
• Must be able to work and concentrate amidst distractions such as noise, conversations, and foot traffic.
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions.
• Must be flexible and not easily frustrated in dealing with different opinions.

Required Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• Possesses current RN's license in state of practice.
• Valid RN License from California Board of Registered Nursing in good standing
• Understanding of psychiatric illness and its treatment, and knowledge of psychotropic medication.
• Eligible for CPR and CPI certification

Preferred Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• Evident (EHR) experience strongly preferred
• 1 year of RN experience
• 1 year of RN experience in a behavioral health setting strongly preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Use standard office equipment and access, input, and retrieve information from a computer.
• Use computer keyboard with manual and finger dexterity and wrist-finger speed sufficient to perform repetitive actions efficiently for extended periods of time.
• Communicate effectively in person or via telephone in a manner which can be understood by those with whom the person is speaking, including a diverse population.
• Give and follow verbal and written instructions with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Perform complex mental functions and basic arithmetic functions; interpret complex laws, regulations, and policies; collect, interpret, and/or analyze complex data and information.
• Vision sees details of objects at close range.
• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Reach forward, up, down, and to the side.
• Sit or stand for minimum periods of one hour at a time and come and go from the work area repeatedly throughout the day.
• Walk and/or stand for long periods of time (3/4 of the workday).

Conditions of Employment:

In compliance with API's policies and guidelines, all API employees are required to adhere to the following:

Background/Reference Check & Licensure/Certification

• Completion of a satisfactory background and reference checks.
• Employee signed employment non-compete/confidentiality agreement
• Individuals whose position may require licensure, registration or certification must maintain such as current and valid. It is the employee's responsibility to send updated copies to Human Resources before the expiration date. It is the employee's responsibility to notify Human Resources of any changes or proposed changes in status to licensure, registration, or certification. Failure to do so could result in employee suspension.

Flu Vaccinations; Medical

• Annual Flu vaccination is required as a condition of hire and ongoing employment. Only those who are allergic to the vaccine or meet contraindications as indicated on the current CDC Vaccine Information Statement shall be exempt from this condition of hire and ongoing employment but are required to wear a mask while inside an API owned or operated building or vehicle during influenza season, Employees must provide physician documentation to support any reported allergy or contraindication. Flu season typically runs between November and March.
• Pass drug and alcohol test performed by Concentra.
• Clear TB skin test or Chest X-Ray at Concentra.
• Complete a satisfactory physical examination at Concentra designed solely to determine your ability to perform the duties of the position being offered.

EEO Statement

API provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.