RNs in Assessment Center

-Looking for rewarding work helping children and youth?

-Interested in working with a dynamic, supportive and dedicated team of mental health aids, clinicians, nurses and psychiatrists?

-12 hour shifts, FT and PT available (full benefits available for 30 hours a week!!) Overnight shifts also available. 

-No travel

New Alternatives, Inc. (NAI) Emergency Screening Unit (ESU) is looking for dedicated RNs to support youth in crisis. Primary responsibilities would include, but are not limited to, assessing youth to determine if they meet criteria for intake, consulting with ESU MDs after assessment for disposition determination, reassessing youth that continue their stay(on average 12-24 hours) at ESU for clinically indicated reasons, case management with youth in need of services, engaging youth on crisis unit in stabilization activities & Safety Plans as needed, and some aftercare follow-up contacts with youth/families.

NAI is a large non-profit agency in San Diego and Orange County providing mental health services to the most vulnerable youth in the county. NAI operates residential programs, outpatient/crisis/behavioral programs, emergency/crisis programs, THP-TAY programs and foster family programs. The ESU is a county-contracted program under the parent company of New Alternatives, Inc. (NAI), a non-profit agency with programs in San Diego and Orange County. ESU is centrally located in Hillcrest, CA., is an outpatient clinic with a CSU (Crisis Stabilization Unit) designation. ESU has been the only screening and assessment LPS facility for youth, in an acute psychiatric crisis, in the county since 1995.

Please review the following duties for RNs, with additional as-needed tasks:

1. Assessing Patients: The psych nurse will conduct an initial assessment of the child, including an evaluation of their mental and physical health, their medical history, and any medication they are taking. They will also assess the child's current mental state and identify any symptoms of a mental health crisis.

2. Developing Discharge Plans: Based on the assessment, the psych nurse will work with ESU MDs, the child and their family to develop a plan that addresses the child's mental health needs. The plan may include medication, therapy, and other referrals for outpatient services that will address the mental health needs post-discharge. This discharge plan may also be coordinating a transfer to an inpatient bed for higher level treatment

3. Monitoring Medications: If the child is prescribed medication, the psych nurse will monitor their medication regimen. They will also monitor the child for any side effects or adverse reactions to the medication as well as assess for any emergency meds necessary

4. Collaborating with Other Healthcare Professionals: The psych nurse will work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists, to ensure that the child receives comprehensive and coordinated care.

5. Crisis Intervention: The psych nurse may also provide crisis intervention services, such as responding to suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviors.

6. Education: The psych nurse will educate the child and their family about mental health conditions, treatment options, and coping strategies.

7. Documentation: The psych nurse will maintain detailed records of the child's treatment and progress, including assessments, treatment plans, and interventions.

RNs at ESU can expect to gain the following:

• Excellent training opportunities, particularly for RNs new to the mental health field
• 5150 certification
• Flexible Schedules; Benefits With 36 or more hours a week
• Excellent medical and dental benefits; with very low monthly costs
• Vacation and Sick Time
• 403B Plan
• Family Fit Program through LA Fitness
• Excellent monthly clinical training opportunities

Candidates must be licensed in California as a RN. Experience with youth in-crisis preferred. As a 24/7 program, the days/hours vary. The available shifts may include three 12-hour workdays to achieve full time benefits. Weekend and overnight shift available!!

Salary: As an outpatient clinic, contracted by the County to provide ESU services, a RN can expect a starting rate of pay of $40-$42/hour for day shifts (0600-1830) and $43-$44/hour on the night shift (1800-0630), excellent benefits and full time/part time opportunities for RNs at ESU, along with 12 hour shifts on days & nights.

Per diem RNs are required to work at least 1 shift every 8 weeks to remain on-staff but we prefer a consistent weekly shift as we do not utilize a rotating schedule.

Here is what some ESU RNs have said about working at ESU:

“For me, the thing that I value the most in working at ESU and made me stay all these years is the feeling that you are not just an employee, you are part of the family, you are a partner!” ~ESU RN since 2015

“I’ve worked other places and ESU is so organized and has so much built-in support from Admin” ~ESU RN since 2018

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Salary: $40.00 - $44.00 per hour