Psychiatric Resource Nurse - Mercy San Diego

Scripps Health; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Scripps Health in San Diego is seeking a Psychiatric Resource Nurse (PRN) to support nursing staff with behavioral health patients across in-patient units outside the Behavioral Health Unit.

The role requires an active RN license in California with at least 1 year of nursing experience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate effectively in English. The position involves 12-hour shifts, rotation of weekends/holidays, and is based at Scripps Mercy San Diego Hospital.

Qualifications

• 1 year experience as a registered nurse.
• Must be able to speak, read and follow instructions in English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to demonstrate positive behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Guides and assists the nursing staff in the application of the Standard of Practice in the care of patients with mental health issues and behavioral problems.
• Is competent in therapeutic communication.
• Understands and educates on the LPS (Lanterman, Petris, Short) Act involuntary legal hold process including involuntary psychotropic medication administration.
• Conduct routine rounds on patients with psychiatric diagnoses or legal holds, ensure safety precautions and documentation are maintained, and monitor compliance with behavioral care plans.
• Respond to behavioral emergencies, lead Code BURT responses, support nursing staff with therapeutic communication, and develop interventions to reduce agitation and behavioral disturbances.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, behavioral health providers, psychiatric liaison teams, and case management/social work to coordinate individualized care plans, medication management, legal hearings, and substance use treatment.
• Coordinate care conferences, review documentation and psychotropic medications, monitor treatment plan effectiveness, and address barriers to discharge or transfer to an appropriate level of care.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Therapeutic communication

English proficiency

Education

RN degree

CA RN license

Tools

EPIC system

Job description

This is a full-time position (72 hours per pay period) with 12-hour shifts, primarily scheduled 9am to 9pm. The schedule includes various days, with rotating weekend and holiday coverage.

This position is located at Scripps Mercy San Diego Hospital.

Why Scripps?

At Scripps Health, your ambition is empowered, and your abilities are appreciated:

Nearly a quarter of our employees have been with Scripps Health for over 10 years.

Scripps is a Great Place to Work Certified company for 2026.

Scripps Health has been consistently ranked as a top employer for women, millennials, diversity, and as an overall workplace by various national publications.

Beckers Healthcare ranked Scripps Health on its 2026 list of 150 top places to work in health care.

We have transitional and professional development programs to create a learning environment that enables you to thrive in your specific field as well as in your overall career.

Our specialties have been nationally recognized for quality in areas such as cardiovascular care, oncology, orthopedics, geriatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and gastroenterology.

Join a highly collaborative team dedicated to supporting patients with acute mental health needs across the hospital as a Psychiatric Resource Nurse (PRN).

The Psychiatric Resource Nurse (PRN) supports the nursing staff through regular rounding on patients with behavioral health issues in the in-patient care units outside the Behavioral Health Unit. In addition, you will be responsible for:

• Guides and assists the nursing staff in the application of the Standard of Practice in the care of patients with mental health issues and behavioral problems.
• Is competent in therapeutic communication.
• Understands and educates on the LPS (Lanterman, Petris, Short) Act involuntary legal hold process including involuntary psychotropic medication administration.
• Conduct routine rounds on patients with psychiatric diagnoses or legal holds, ensure safety precautions and documentation are maintained, and monitor compliance with behavioral care plans.
• Respond to behavioral emergencies, lead Code BURT responses, support nursing staff with therapeutic communication, and develop interventions to reduce agitation and behavioral disturbances.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, behavioral health providers, psychiatric liaison teams, and case management/social work to coordinate individualized care plans, medication management, legal hearings, and substance use treatment.
• Coordinate care conferences, review documentation and psychotropic medications, monitor treatment plan effectiveness, and address barriers to discharge or transfer to an appropriate level of care.

Required Experience/Specialized Skills:

• 1 year experience as a registered nurse.
• Must be able to speak, read and follow instructions in English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to demonstrate positive behaviors.

Required Certification/Registration:

• Current CA RN License.
• Current BLS-C provider from American Heart Association.

Required Education/Course(s)/Training:

• Registered nursing degree from an accredited school of nursing.

Preferred Experience/Education/Specialized skills:

• Bachelor's degree in nursing preferred.
• Previous experience providing peer education on psychiatric laws, regulations, and clinical interventions.
• Experience with EPIC system preferred.
• At least 2 years' experience working bedside in a Med/Surg level of care hospital.
• Prior experience working in an acute psychiatric hospital or psych facility preferred.