Registered Nurse � Behavioral Health

The Behavioral Health Nurse reports to the Emergency Department Clinical Manager and is responsible for providing acute nursing care to patients with mental illness substance use and those patients who are placed in a Behavioral Health border status awaiting inpatient Behavioral Health bed availability or discharge.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides direct nursing care through application of the nursing process by assessing and screening for a patient�s immediate and long-term needs planning interventions with the patient family and health care team.

Assesses evaluates and documents the effectiveness of treatment and response to care provided.

Prioritizes interventions in rapidly changing patient situations with an organized response and outcome that optimizes the patient�s welfare.

Collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to help patients and families manage the complexities of the healthcare system ensuring timely and appropriate care.

Works collaboratively with the interprofessional team to ensure an evidence-based plan of Behavioral Health care that is therapeutic and coordinated with any required medical care to attain desired outcomes.

Educates patients and families to assist with understanding mental health and illness treatment and follow-up.

Works to keep the team appraised of a patient�s condition effectively communicating the patients� progress and any additional needs. Escalates care concerns promptly.

Assists to coordinate resources serving as a liaison between the patient psychiatry liaison team community health agencies providers and other staff to deliver high quality individualized care.

Acts as the point person for patients and families/caregivers. Assists with maintaining ongoing communication with patient/family as necessary.

Serves as a patient advocate assertively and respectfully questioning any orders which conflict with ethical or patient care standards of nursing.

Provides leadership in acute or emergency behavioral situations.

Maintains technical and mental health specialty skills (ie; Safety Care Suicide Screening Risk Assessment and interventions and Behavioral Health emergency response)

Maintains detailed accurate and up to date documentation within the electronic health record.

Functions in a cooperative and productive manner in the work environment.

Performs other related duties of the professional nurse.

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

Graduate of a Baccalaureate School of Nursing preferred with current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Rhode Island or in the nurse�s primary state of legal residence if that state is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact with conformity to the Code of Professional Nurses or a bachelor�s degree in social work from a school accredited by the American Council on Social Work Education.

Basic Life Support Certification required.

ACLS and PALS Certification obtained within six months of hire.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients of all ages with consideration of aging processes human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE:

Behavioral health care experience required. Understanding of mental health and substance use issues.

Compassionate professional and analytical skills in evaluating patients in order to plan provide patient care monitor the care management process and treatment plan for each patient.

Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences including professional staff patients families community and other service agencies.

Interpersonal skills to allay anxiety elicit cooperation and provide for education of patients/families and to effectively function as a member of the healthcare team to coordinate and discuss patient care activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT ANDPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Acute patient care environment with exposure to infectious diseases. Hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety precautions.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:

Performs independently within the department�s policies and practices. Refers specific complex problems to the Clinical Manager and other ED nursing leaders when clarification of departmental policies and procedures are required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.