Psychiatric Nurse

Position Summary Boston Medical Center is seeking a Psychiatric Nurse for its 82‑bed behavioral health hospital in Brockton, MA. The hospital operates as a behavioral health accountable care organization, providing inpatient treatment and stabilization for patients with complex mental health and substance use needs. Psychiatric Nurses are a critical part of a multidisciplinary team focused on delivering high‑quality behavioral health care to acute populations. Under the general direction of the Nurse Manager, the Psychiatric Nurse is responsible for providing direct patient care, including nursing assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, evaluation, and coordination of care for patients and their families throughout the continuum of care. The role emphasizes clinical, educational, quality, and fiscal outcomes in alignment with the unit’s model of care and institutional policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines, and standards of practice. Essential Responsibilities / Duties Standards of Care Consistently and effectively utilizes all steps of the nursing process to deliver timely, safe, and patient‑centered care. Assesses patients and families systematically for overt and covert signs and symptoms and collects pertinent data using appropriate assessment techniques. Prioritizes data, involves patients and families, and uses clear, concise communication for documentation. Identifies emergency or crisis situations, communicates promptly to the team, and responds effectively. Analyzes assessment data to determine appropriate nursing diagnoses and identifies individualized expected outcomes. Derives realistic, measurable goals with time estimates for attainment and collaborates with patients, families, and the behavioral health team to formulate interventions. Develops and documents individualized plans of care that reflect the patient’s condition, prioritize needs, and ensure continuity of care, utilizing available resources and appropriate referrals. Implements interventions based on the plan, includes medication administration per established standards, and educates patients and families about illnesses, treatments, and health promotion. In emergencies or crises, demonstrates decision making, re‑prioritizes care, initiates response actions, and directs team members to coordinate a complete response. Documents interventions and evaluates patient progress, revises diagnoses and plans as needed, and provides follow‑up care via home visits or telephone. Standards of Professional Performance Evaluates the quality, cost, and effectiveness of nursing practice, participates in quality improvement and research activities, and uses patient satisfaction and data to initiate practice changes. Completes classification data and incident reports promptly, engages in cost containment initiatives, and evaluates practice options based on safety, effectiveness, and cost. Maintains professional standards of conduct, works independently when appropriate, and resolves conflicts constructively. Adheres to compliance requirements (DMH, DPH, JCAHO, Fire Code, OSHA, DEA, etc.), maintains accurate professional development records, and demonstrates flexibility and reliability. Presents a professional appearance and identifies with a visible badge. Maintains clinical competence through ongoing education, identifies in‑service needs, and participates in unit or departmental task forces, councils, or committees. Serves as a resource for new employees and (pre)students, provides constructive feedback, and shares knowledge willingly. Acts ethically, preserves client autonomy, dignity, and confidentiality, and serves as a patient advocate. Communicates and consults collaboratively with all team members and coordinates referrals and discharge planning. Job Requirements Education: Associate’s Degree in Nursing required; BSN required within four years of hire. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required: Licensed RN in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) may be required for certain units. Additional certifications may be required for specific practice areas. Experience: Varies according to unit/department needs. Knowledge and Skills: Professional nursing principles, procedures, and techniques in psychiatric settings. Social, psychological, and physical factors of psychiatric disorders. Psychotropic medications and side effects. State and Federal regulations applicable to inpatient psychiatric care. Principles of crisis prevention and de‑escalation. Leadership in high‑stress situations with sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy. Basic computer proficiency and ability to use electronic health records. Interpersonal skills to communicate with staff, patients, and families. Organizational skills for setting priorities and completing tasks efficiently. Analytical ability for clinical problem‑solving and quality improvement projects. Delegation of patient care activities. Effective verbal and written communication suitable for patient populations. Physical ability to meet core job responsibilities within the clinical setting’s demands for the patient populations served. Stress management related to patient care and organizational changes. Multilingual skills beyond English preferred. Physical Ability: Ability to meet core job responsibilities within the clinical setting’s demands for the patient populations served. Compensation Range: $36.15 – $75.50 per hour, based on minimum job qualifications. Compensation considers education, experience, and licensure/certifications directly related to the position. Additional benefits include medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, contract increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings match, earned time cash out, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well‑being. Equal Opportunity Employer / EEO Statement Boston Medical Center is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. We ensure equal employment opportunities for all, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any non‑job‑related characteristic. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e‑mail to View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. BMC participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program and requires all staff to be vaccinated against COVID‑19 and flu, with an additional booster dose of the COVID‑19 vaccine. Background checks are required prior to employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Boston Medical Center