Registered Nurse , Pediatric Psych (Full-Time)

Registered Nurse, Pediatric Psych (Full-Time)

The McLean-Franciscan Child and Adolescent Inpatient Unit provides care for children ages 4-19 in psychiatric crisis, offering expert acute stabilization, assessment, and inpatient mental health treatment in a safe and nurturing environment. The therapeutic program introduces the patient to a range of techniques, including positive behavioral support, designed to assist in stabilizing children in crisis, reducing high-risk symptoms, and beginning the acquisition of skills related to overcoming mental health crises.

The nurse plays an important role in multidisciplinary assessment and crisis intervention. Treatment includes: diagnostic assessment, psychopharmacological treatment, and mobilization of the child's family and support system. Interventions occur within the context of a structured therapeutic program, based on a strength-based model of care.

SUMMARY Provides direct nursing care for toddlers, latent, adolescents, and the occasional adult in hospital or private setting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• In collaboration with health care team and family, plans and implements skillful, organized, and safe nursing care for patients based on assessment data. Evaluates and revises the nursing care as indicated by patient response to treatment.
• Performs initial and ongoing assessment of the patient and their families to include physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and emotional needs. Performs patient treatment within scope of established competencies and consistent with patient treatment plan.
• Applies crisis prevention and intervention techniques to children and adolescents with behavior and psychiatric conditions. Restrains or assists with restraining, patients/residents weighing up to 350 pounds when intervention is necessary to ensure safety per regulations guidelines.
• Interacts in a therapeutic manner that facilitates adaptive coping and life skills through implementation of treatment plan goal and objectives. Demonstrates clinical expertise in working with emotionally disturbed children and adolescents; demonstrates competence in behavior management.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living; participates in therapeutic group activities.
• Administers prescribed medications and treatment, in accordance with physician's orders, using approved nursing techniques.
• Observes patients, records significant conditions and reactions, and notifies supervisors or physician of patient's conditions and reaction to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.
• Accurately documents nursing history and all other patient information according to department and hospital policy.
• Lifts and transports patients, weighing up to 350 pounds, and pushes and carries patient care equipment, or assists with these activities, using safe body mechanics.
• Assembles and uses all treatment materials and equipment properly for patient care needs. Successfully completes Hospital and department specific orientation and ongoing mandatory education requirements.
• Responds to patient needs or emergencies throughout all areas of the Hospital based upon nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocol. Floats to other units as delegated by Supervisor.
• Provides continuity of coverage in emergency situations.
• May assume responsibility of Charge Nurse after demonstrated competencies as determined by the department supervisor.
• Other essential duties may be assigned as necessary to the operation of the department.
• Should an emergency situation arise (weather related or other emergency related events), senior management may require a need to have Unit 1 staff remain at the Hospital in order to assure that the well-being of our patients is uncompromised and Hospital operations are interrupted. While these situations are unusual and at times predictable, our Unit 1 staff should be prepared to remain on site.