RN - Geri-Psych Behavioral Health

Description

Position Summary

The RN – Geri-Psych Behavioral Health provides direct and indirect nursing care to patients in the Geriatric Psychiatry unit. This role involves assessing, planning, and implementing care to meet the psychosocial, physical, and emotional needs of patients. The RN collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality patient care, crisis intervention, and adherence to regulatory and safety guidelines.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Patient Care & Nursing Responsibilities

• Conducts patient assessments, develops nursing diagnoses, and implements care plans.
• Provides health education, counseling, and preventive care interventions.
• Monitors and manages patients with cognitive, emotional, developmental, and behavioral disorders.
• Responds to crisis situations and implements de-escalation techniques as needed.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and ensures compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Documents patient progress, interventions, and care plans accurately and timely.

Collaboration & Compliance

• Communicates effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Adheres to hospital policies, state and federal regulations (OSHA, TJC, CMS).
• Supports a culture of safety and reports incidents or concerns promptly.
• Attends department meetings and completes required training and competency evaluations.

Professional Development & Teamwork

• Mentors and provides guidance to nursing assistants and new staff.
• Continues professional growth through ongoing education and skill development.
• Fosters a collaborative and positive team environment to enhance patient care.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• Required: Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Texas.
• Preferred: One year of experience in psychiatric nursing.
• Preferred: Experience in emergency or behavioral health settings.

Certifications

• Required: CPR (BLS) certification.
• Preferred: Additional crisis intervention or behavioral health training.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in crisis situations.
• Basic computer proficiency for electronic medical records (EMR) documentation.
• Knowledge of behavioral health conditions, treatment modalities, and crisis intervention techniques.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Physical Demands

• Standing/walking for extended periods (61-100% of shift).
• Frequent bending, squatting, reaching, lifting (up to 50 lbs).
• Occasional pushing, pulling, and patient transport duties.
• Use of hands for fine motor skills and documentation tasks.

Work Environment

• Indoor hospital setting with exposure to infectious diseases.
• Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, hazardous chemicals, and bodily fluids.
• Adherence to infection control protocols and proper PPE usage.

Qualifications