Behavioral Health RN

Job Summary:

The Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN) on the night shift is responsible for managing and coordinating nursing care activities for adult clients during hospitalization in a behavioral health setting. The role involves comprehensive nursing processes including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of client care. The RN directs and oversees other personnel involved in client care, ensuring professional accountability and adherence to organizational policies. Strong clinical judgment, communication, and adaptability to new techniques are essential. Responsibilities:

• Organize and coordinate nursing care delivery for assigned clients.
• Direct and supervise healthcare personnel in client care activities.
• Provide direct client care as needed, following department and organizational policies.
• Make nursing assignments based on employee skill levels.
• Identify problems and apply critical thinking to develop solutions.
• Implement physicians' orders accurately and promptly.
• Prepare, administer, and document medications according to policy.
• Maintain concise, accurate, and complete client records.
• Comply with infection control policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and provide emergency care as required.
• Participate in orientation and in-service training for staff.
• Evaluate personnel performance and recommend appropriate actions.
• Assist in policy review and revision.
• Communicate effectively using appropriate channels.
• Adjust interventions according to age-appropriate guidelines.
• Set priorities to provide safe client care in an organized manner.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment, including light housekeeping tasks.
• Protect client confidentiality, privacy, safety, and security.
• Adapt to changes in assignments and environment.
• Conduct group therapies and participate in multidisciplinary treatment planning.
• Promote process improvement activities.
• Support organizational philosophy and teamwork.
• Monitor clients continuously for safety and contraband.
• Attend required trainings, meetings, and participate in departmental activities.
• Establish collaborative relationships with physicians and healthcare team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
• Current Illinois Registered Nurse license.
• BLS certification.
• Demonstrated clinical competence and nursing judgment.
• Ability to stand for 4-6 hours and perform physical tasks such as lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a behavioral health environment.
• Completion of CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention with Advanced Physical Skills (APS).

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent experience preferred.
• Proficiency with standard office equipment and computer software (MS Office, Meditech).
• Experience with adult behavioral health clients.

Special Considerations:

• Must be able to work night shifts in a behavioral health setting.
• Requires standing for extended periods and physical ability to assist clients.
• Adherence to nursing staffing and scheduling policies, including overtime.
• Ability to maintain a safe environment and monitor for harmful contraband.
• Requires regular talking, hearing, grasping, reaching, bending, stooping, and walking.

Scheduling:

• Night shift schedule, with shift assignments determined by department needs.
• Adherence to organizational staffing and scheduling policies.