RN - Psych

Registered Nurse (RN)

This unit consists of 25 licensed beds, including 3 adult beds and 6 adolescent beds. The patient ratios are currently 3:1 for adults (which could increase to 7 patients) and 6:1 for adolescents. The unit provides care for adolescents and adults, with opportunities for staff to work with either patient population, separated by a door.

Patient populations and common diagnoses include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance Abuse (including alcohol and other substances)
• Psychosis
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Behavioral and Personality Disorders
• Occasional opioid withdrawal (medically cleared)

Experience and skills required:

• Acute/inpatient or state hospital experience
• Proficient de-escalation and communication skills
• Preferred experience with adolescent patients
• First-time travelers are welcome

Additional unit information:

The unit rarely administers IVs, and travelers are not required to have IV experience, though it is beneficial. There may be a Charge Nurse or House Supervisor on some shifts, but travelers are typically not expected to assume this role. Mechanical restraints and seclusion are rarely used.

Staff and resources:

The unit has mental health technicians or aides available, with a staffing ratio of up to 2 aides when the unit is at full capacity with 9 patients. Additional support services include occupational therapy, social work, and respiratory therapy for patients needing oxygen support. Respiratory therapists are available on-site.

Shifts and scheduling:

• Available shifts: 7a-7p, 7p-7a; 7a-3p, 3p-11p, 11p-7a
• Self-scheduling based on seniority, with a balance managed by the department
• Weekend requirements: Every other weekend
• Holiday requirements: Every other holiday
• No call or standby requirements
• Floating responsibilities may include assisting throughout the hospital or providing 1:1 care

Dress code:

Staff may wear any color scrubs except maroon. Business casual attire is also acceptable.

Orientation:

New staff will receive two shifts of unit-specific orientation to familiarize themselves with protocols and procedures.

Work environment:

This is the only child/adolescent inpatient unit in the region and is a locked unit situated on the 4th floor. The unit is equipped with emergency buttons for code blue situations, in-house security, and additional support protocols as necessary.

Attributes for success:

Nurses who thrive in this environment demonstrate patience and maintain a calm demeanor, particularly under challenging circumstances. The expectation is for nurses to engage actively in patient care, rather than remaining at the nurses' station, including participating in 15-minute patient rounds.

Location:

Located in the city of [City], [State].