Behavioral Health Adult Inpatient Registered Nurse – BHAIRN23-04239 -

Title: Behavioral Health Adult Inpatient Registered Nurse 

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Duration: 3 months

Position Overview:

A Behavioral Health Adult Inpatient Registered Nurse provides specialized care to adult patients with mental health disorders who require hospitalization in a behavioral health unit or psychiatric facility. They work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care in an inpatient setting.

Overview of Responsibilities:

• Patient assessment and care planning: Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' mental health status, including psychiatric history, symptoms, and risk factors. Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop individualized care plans that address the unique needs and goals of each patient.
• Medication administration and management: Administer psychotropic medications as prescribed, monitor their effects, and assess patients for any adverse reactions or side effects. Educate patients and their families about medication usage, potential benefits, and possible risks.
• Therapeutic interventions: Implement therapeutic interventions, such as individual or group therapy, crisis intervention, and behavioral management techniques, to promote patients' emotional well-being and recovery. Provide supportive counseling and guidance to patients in managing their mental health conditions.
• Patient and family education: Educate patients and their families about mental health conditions, treatment options, coping strategies, and community resources available for ongoing support. Foster a therapeutic and supportive environment that encourages patient engagement in their own recovery process.
• Collaboration and communication: Work collaboratively with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans. Communicate effectively with the healthcare team to ensure coordinated and holistic patient care.
• Crisis management and de-escalation: Respond to psychiatric emergencies, assess patients in crisis, and provide immediate interventions to de-escalate situations safely. Implement crisis management techniques and protocols to ensure the safety of patients and staff members.
• Documentation and record-keeping: Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and progress in electronic medical records. Adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, as well as facility policies and procedures, for documentation and confidentiality.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Registered Nurse (RN) licensure and certification in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Completion of a nursing program from an accredited institution.
• Additional certification or experience in behavioral health or psychiatric nursing is often required or preferred.
• Strong knowledge of mental health disorders, psychiatric medications, and evidence-based treatment modalities.
• Proficient in conducting mental health assessments, risk assessments, and crisis management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy, patience, and sensitivity in working with individuals with mental health conditions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for accurate documentation and record-keeping.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to maintaining professional boundaries, ethics, and confidentiality in psychiatric nursing practice.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Behavioral Health Adult Inpatient Registered Nurses typically work in psychiatric hospitals, behavioral health units, or psychiatric wards within general hospitals.
• They may work shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure 24/7 patient care.
• The environment may involve exposure to patients with acute psychiatric symptoms and challenging behaviors.
• Physical demands may include standing or walking for extended periods, assisting with patient mobility, and managing potential aggressive or agitated patients.
• Nurses in behavioral health settings must adhere to safety protocols and utilize de-escalation techniques to manage crisis situations.
• The role requires emotional resilience and the ability to cope with stress, compassion fatigue, and challenging patient circumstances.