Shifts: Evening shift: 2pm-10:30pm

Weekend shift opening: 7a-11p Saturdays and Sundays . May require some initial day shift training in conjunction with training department during weekdays.

Term: 6-month commitment.

Job Description: Registered Nurse

The Registered Nurse provides routine care and treatment through the application of the nursing process. Is responsible for maintaining nursing standards in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act, Administrative Codes, and other facility policies, procedures, and standards. Communicates and collaborates with other shift RNs to ensure 24-hour continuity of care. Models and supports a proactive approach to unit management using the principles of Social Learning and demonstrates a commitment to a culture that minimizes the use of restrictive interventions. May serve as an effective member of the treatment team to facilitate a multidisciplinary/holistic approach to care.

Essential Job Functions:

• Performs comprehensive assessment of patients' nursing care needs including physical, behavioral, psychiatric, and social needs.
• Observes and analyze patient behavior and status and documents in the medical record and report as needed to other team members, including the attending physician.
• May contribute to the development of the individualized treatment plan in collaboration with other treatment team members and based on data obtained from the assessment.
• Utilizes one-to-one assessment and communication skills in therapeutic interactions with patients to assist them in identifying anxiety and developing coping strategies.
• Initiates and implements population-specific nursing interventions based on appropriate standards of care for the assigned patient population.
• Administers medications and treatments as ordered by the physician and maintains medication administration (MAR) and controlled drug records according to facility policy.
• Establishes and monitors the therapeutic milieu.
• Monitors Treatment Intervention and Protection Strategies (TIPS) and in the absence of other staff members implement TIPS.
• Initiates and monitors the appropriate use of restraint or seclusion to ensure the safety of the patient and staff members.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of nursing procedures and practices and of the Texas Nursing Practice Act, Rules and Regulations of the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas.
• Ability to perform a comprehensive nursing assessment inclusive of the patient’s mental health, medical, social, and psychological needs.
• Ability to identify nursing interventions appropriate to the population served.
• Ability to manage and take a leadership role in managing emergencies.
• Ability to communicating effectively with other staff members to provide effective clinical supervision or to relay concerns about the patient to other team members.
• Current certification for basic Cardio-Pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and ability to perform CPR in the clinical setting.
• Must be Able to complete Treatment Intervention and Protection Strategies (TIPS) prior to work on patient care unit.
• Ability to teach others the principles of psychiatric nursing and maintenance of the therapeutic milieu.

Experience in direct client care in a psychiatric setting.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Licensed as a Registered Nurse to practice professional nursing in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.