Behavior Health Registered Nurse WKO - Full Time

Under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Manager, provides nursing care in accordance with departmental and hospital policies and procedures.

Essential Functions:

Demonstrates knowledge of hospital policies and procedures for administering and recording medication.

Demonstrates knowledge of commonly used meds: action, dose, and side effects.

Observe five R's for administering meds: right patient, right drug, right method, right dose, and right time.

Demonstrates proper procedures in all methods of medication administration.

Maintains IV access according to hospital policy and procedures.

Assesses and documents IV site every eight hours per unit standard.

Reports change in patient status immediately.

Reports the progress of the patient's/significant other's response to teaching plan to treatment team.

Implements changes in plan of care.

Patient is oriented to unit and vital signs recorded within one hour of admission.

Each identified problem is addressed using BIRP format every twelve hours and PRN (if applicable).

Flow sheets and I & O sheets are signed with name and title.

Medication administration record must include full signature and title of nurse administering med, time given, reason for omission, and site for infection (if applicable).

Documents narcotic use according to hospital policy and procedure.

Practices within legal boundaries of nurse practice act and according to hospital policy and procedures.

Attends continuing education programs.

Attends hospital sponsored training programs as required by departments.

Maintains CPR certifications.

Attends all required safety education programs.

Provides complete and accurate responses to safety questions when asked by supervisor.

Operates assigned equipment and performs all procedures in a safe manner as instructed.

Maintains work area and equipment in the condition required by department standards.

Demonstrates proper body mechanics in all functions.

If manager/leader, provides for the safety of department employees.

Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, procedures, and correct use of protective barrier equipment.

Attends annual education programs.

Demonstrates knowledge of MRI patient care observation and management.

Has knowledge of procedures for PCA pain management.

Interacts with all of the above in a considerate, helpful, and courteous manner, as observed by the divisional director and peers.

Fosters mature professional relationships with fellow employees in a courteous, friendly manner, as measured by management observation and peer input.

Maintains professional composure and confidence during stressful situations.

Maintains open communication using appropriate chain of command.

Conducts all work activities with respect for rights and wishes of patients, visitors, families, and fellow employees.

Maintains confidentiality of all hospital and patient information at all times.

Presents neat appearance in proper attire and displays identification as required by hospital policy.

Displays a positive attitude that contributes to the overall customer service program at the hospital.

Supports the hospital's mission, policies, and procedures.

Completes work assignments on time/readily accepts assignments, as observed by divisional director.

Reports to work on time and is at work as scheduled, as observed by the divisional director or staffing coordinator.

Required Skills

Required Education:

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

Current licensed by the state of Kentucky or compact state.

BLS Certification - American Heart Association (Healthcare Provider) or American Red Cross (Healthcare Provider) required, must be current.

CPI certification preferred.

Required Experience

Minimum of a 2-year degree in nursing (Associate Degree in Nursing)

Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice

Clinical experience in behavioral health, mental health, or psychiatric nursing

Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems

Familiarity with mental health laws and regulations

Prior experience in a hospital or clinical setting preferred

History of working with diverse patient populations

Proven track record of adherence to safety protocols and healthcare guidelines

Experience in crisis intervention and patient advocacy

Continuous education or certification in psychiatric or mental health nursing is a plus

BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required; ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certification may be beneficial

Previous involvement in quality improvement initiatives or committees within a healthcare setting