Registered Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Registered Nurse (RN) – Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Services

Position Summary:

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides compassionate, evidence-based nursing care to children and adolescents in a psychiatric hospital setting, supporting both inpatient and residential treatment programs. The RN collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to ensure the physical and emotional safety of patients while promoting individualized treatment goals, medication management, and therapeutic engagement in a trauma-informed environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide direct patient care, including assessments, interventions, evaluations, and documentation in accordance with facility policies and professional nursing standards.
• Conduct initial and ongoing nursing assessments to identify physical and mental health needs.
• Administer prescribed medications, monitor for side effects, and ensure accurate documentation.
• Collaborate with physicians, therapists, behavioral health staff, and families to support the treatment plan.
• Lead or assist with crisis interventions and de-escalation techniques using approved safety practices.
• Monitor patients for changes in condition and promptly respond to medical or psychiatric emergencies.
• Maintain a therapeutic and safe milieu, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, infection control, and regulatory standards.
• Provide health education to patients and families, reinforcing coping strategies and self-care practices.
• Participate in team meetings, shift reports, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Supervise and delegate tasks to mental health technicians or support staff as appropriate.

Qualifications:

Education and Licensure:

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN).
• Current and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• BLS certification required; CPI crisis intervention training required (or must be obtained upon hire).

Experience:

• Previous experience in psychiatric, pediatric, or behavioral health nursing preferred.
• Experience working with children and adolescents strongly desired.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong clinical judgment and ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care, adolescent development, and family systems.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to stand, walk, and move freely for extended periods.
• Ability to participate in physical interventions, if necessary, with proper training.
• Work includes shifts, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.