Psychiatric Staff Nurse - Comprehensive Recovery Services (CRS - 9th Floor) Day/Night 12-hour shifts

Full-time - Entry Level

Pittsburgh, PA

Hospitals

About the position

UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is seeking a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse to help support the Comprehensive Recovery Services (CRS 9th Floor) Department for its Oakland location. The Comprehensive Recovery Unit is a 29-bed unit which provides comprehensive specialized services to individuals diagnosed with suffering from Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, and related psychotic illnesses. This position will work a day/night rotation, with three 12-hour shifts. GN level candidate starting rate is $33.25 (BSN $34.75). Starting rate may be increased commensurate with previous nursing experience.

Responsibilities

• Performs a nursing assessment and initial plan of care within 8 hours of patient's admission.
• Orients/educates patient regarding hospitalization.
• Documents in the medical record according to established policies.
• Maintains current knowledge of medication policies and practices, including side effects, dosage and patient response.
• Completes medication administration safely and accurately, including transcription, administration and documentation according to established policies.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of DSM IV diagnosis as evidenced by individual, group and milieu therapeutic interventions.
• Manages crisis situations effectively using positive approaches.
• Adheres to Nursing Standards and Policies including ANA Standards for Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, ANA Professional Code for Nurses, the WPIC policies and procedures and the Nurse Practice Act.
• Performs point of care testing per unit (i.e., glucose monitoring, urinalysis, Hemocults.)
• Performs charge RN responsibilities competently and effectively.
• Participates with unit management in Program Development and Performance Improvement Activities.
• Participates in interdisciplinary activities including, treatment team, staff meeting, co-worker feedback process and other committees as assigned.
• Follows research protocols as required.
• Maintains competency requirements.
• Attends two unit-based or institute-wide in-services yearly.
• Serves as mentor to students and new employees.
• Learns and utilizes up-to-date technology in delivery of patients care.

Requirements

• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing required.
• BSN preferred.
• Six months of experience in Clinical Psychiatry preferred.
• Successful completion of the central and unit specific orientation programs including the medication proficiency examination.
• The incumbent must be physically capable of providing direct total physical care to unpredictable, potentially violent, mentally ill patients as necessary.