ED Behavioral Health Nurse- Per Diem

Under general supervision, plans and provides direct professional nursing care for specified patients throughout the entire episode of service delivery as defined by population and unit. Provides nursing services to patients and families in accordance with the standards of practice of a professional nurse, Connecticut Children's policies & procedures, TJC, and state & federal regulations. Reports to Nurse Manager.

• CLINICAL PRACTICE- On a daily basis demonstrates clinical expertise and uses the nursing process to provide safe, appropriate patient care to a defined patient population according to Connecticut Children’s and unit policies and standards.  
• POPULATION SPECIFIC- Demonstrates knowledge of the differences and needs of patients presenting with behavioral health concerns and applies them to practice.  Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients, families and co-workers.
• UNIT LEADERSHIP- Fosters effective team dynamics amongst staff, using clear communication supporting patient, family and staff safety. As assigned, participates in the professional development of others through preceptor/mentor activities. Supports the unit/department’s work productivity and resource management activities. 
• DOCUMENTATION/COMMUNICATION- Completes all required documentation in a timely manner, according to Connecticut Children’s policies and standards, necessary information is effectively communicated to all members of the healthcare team. 
• PATIENT/FAMILY PARTNERSHIP & EDUCATION- Partners with the patient and family in evaluating outcomes. Monitors, trends, and evaluates patient/family responses to treatment. Provides appropriate education to patients and families regarding all aspects of care according to Connecticut Children’s policies, standards; supports the organizations efforts to patient/family education. 
• CONNECTICUT CHILDRENS STANDARDS- Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with the Connecticut Children’s standards.
• POSTITION SPECIFIC ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Serves as a nurse for patients presenting with behavioral health concerns. 
  • Fosters teamwork, consistency, and collaboration amongst colleagues supporting patient, family and staff safety.
  • Develops a working understanding of medico-legal implications of evidence handling and preservation.                           

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Delegates duties and tasks associated with patient care to clinical staff, including unlicensed assistive personnel according to hospital policy and their scope of practice. 

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Education Required: ASN required upon hire.  BSN preferred upon hire and required within 3 years of hire.
• Education Preferred: BSN preferred.
   

Education and/or Experience Preferred:

• Experience Preferred: Minimum of two years’ clinical experience in pediatrics and/or behavioral health setting preferred. 

 License and/or Certification Required:

• Current State of Connecticut Registered Nurse Licensure required or nurse licensure compact (NLC) and maintained thereafter.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR in adult, child & infant is required upon hire and maintained thereafter.
• Specialty licensure/certification may be required, as specified by department.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within 6 months of hire into position, or before completion of orientation if this is longer than 6 months and maintained thereafter.          

Position Specific Job License and/or Certification Required:

• Crisis Intervention training certification required within 3 months of hire and maintained current at all times.                                                           

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Theory, principles, techniques and practice of professional nursing.
• Common behavioral health/ psychiatric diagnosis, medications, concepts, and evidence based therapeutic interventions and treatments. 
• State regulations regarding nursing practice.
• Clinical standards of care; documentation and patient record policies and standards.
• Teaching techniques; identification of learning needs and provision of patient/family education.
• Developmental and population-specific patient and family assessment techniques and how to apply to practice.
• Accreditation and certification requirements and standards

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Effective de-escalation techniques.
• Basic proficiency in utilization of personal computers in a networked Windows-based healthcare environment to access related software applications; locate, open, edit and print files and information utilized by the unit; and use of Internet as research tool.

Ability to:

• Work individually or within teams and/or organizations within the medical and research community. 
• Make clinical and procedural decisions using the nursing process.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Delegate appropriately to ancillary staff.
• Communicate effectively with individuals and groups both orally and in writing.
• Maintain excellent professional boundaries.
• Maintain professional composure, including during stressful/difficult, and/or critical situations.