Registered Nurse (RN), Adolescent Psychiatry

Cincinnati Children's; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 50,971 - 59,264; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Part-Time Benefits Eligible

Psychiatric Residency Enrichment Program

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training

Job summary

Cincinnati Children's in Cincinnati seeks a part-time RN for the Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatry unit. The role involves creating a nurturing environment and ensuring patient safety while engaging in crisis intervention and group programming. Responsibilities include administering medications and maintaining patient care documentation.

Ideal candidates hold an active Ohio RN license and must pass Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification. Part-time benefits are available, and candidates are encouraged to enroll in further nursing education.

Qualifications

• Active Ohio RN License; must acquire within 1 year if external hire without BSN/MSN.
• Ability to pass Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification Course.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe environment using trauma-informed strategies.
• Administer medications and monitor patient responses.
• Lead structured group programming and engage with patients.

Skills

Critical thinking

Crisis intervention

Patient safety

Communication

Education

Associate/Diploma RN from accredited institution

BSN or MSN preferred

Job description

Department/Unit: Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatry, PA3.200

Hours/Shift: Part‑Time (24 hours/week) – Day/Evening rotating shift (every other weekend required)

Benefit Eligibility: Part‑Time Benefits Eligible

Expected Starting Salary Range: $37.00 - $43.02

Responsibilities

• Milieu Management & Patient Safety:
  • Create a safe, stable, and nurturing environment using trauma‑informed and developmentally appropriate strategies for patients with mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis, aggression, self‑harm, eating disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Implement a token economy to reinforce positive behaviors.
  • Proactively prevent and respond to crises using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) strategies, including verbal de‑escalation and, when necessary, physical interventions.
  • Lead and intervene in behavioral crises, applying strategies based on the Stress Model of Crisis and individualized care plans.
  • Perform safety checks, room and patient searches, and maintain awareness of environmental risk factors.
  • Ensure continuous compliance with departmental policies, hospital protocols, and regulatory standards (CMS, Joint Commission).
• Nursing Care & Clinical Judgment:
  • Apply critical thinking and clinical judgment to assess patient care needs and develop care plans.
  • Administer medications and monitor for effectiveness.
  • Develop, coordinate, and implement nursing care interventions across physical and mental health needs.
  • Support activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, feeding, toileting) with developmentally appropriate care in both group and individualized settings.
  • Maintain designated observation levels (continuous, 15‑minute checks, remaining within arm’s‑length) accurately and compassionately.
  • Recognize changes in patient condition, respond to deteriorations, and escalate concerns as needed.
• Group Programming & Therapeutic Engagement:
  • Lead or support structured group programming, modifying delivery to meet developmental needs.
  • Engage patients meaningfully and observe behaviors to inform treatment progress and problem‑solving.
  • Build therapeutic rapport while maintaining professional boundaries and advocating for patient needs.
• Compliance & Safety Leadership:
  • Maintain current knowledge of accreditation standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Complete all certifications, licensure renewals, and Safety College trainings on schedule.
  • Partner with nurse councils, Magnet representatives, and leadership to promote safety best practices and continuous performance improvement.
  • Identify and report safety and compliance concerns promptly to support a culture of accountability.
• Documentation & Communication:
  • Accurately document assessments, care interventions, incident reports, safety checks, and patient progress.
  • Review and ensure timely, accurate documentation from Behavioral Health Specialists, especially around incidents, safety checks, and behavioral observations.
  • Serve as the communication bridge between Behavioral Health Specialists and the interdisciplinary team, clarifying clinical priorities.
  • Actively participate in family‑centered rounds; provide updates and education to families and caregivers.
  • Utilize teach‑back and other strategies to support understanding of care goals.
  • Contribute meaningfully to shift reports, handoffs, and interdisciplinary care planning.
• Professional Development & Team Collaboration:
  • Work closely with physicians, advanced practice RNs, social workers, allied health providers, and families to support continuity of care.
  • Assign tasks such as safety checks, group facilitation, or patient support, while monitoring for completion, quality, and safety.
  • Engage in shared decision‑making through unit‑based councils or ongoing communication with peers and leaders.
  • Participate in performance reviews, peer feedback, and clinical education to maintain competency and promote growth.
  • Support student and new nurse onboarding through role modeling, mentoring, and shared learning experiences.
  • Collaborate effectively across disciplines using the Interprofessional Practice Model, ensuring cohesive and coordinated care.
• Cultural Competence & Advocacy:
  • Assess cultural factors and individual preferences that may impact care, integrating needs into nursing practice.
  • Advocate ethically for patients and families, particularly when they are unable to advocate for themselves.

Qualifications

Required:

• Associate/Diploma RN from ACEN, CCNE, or NLN CNEA accredited institution.
• If hired as an external candidate without BSN or MSN, must enroll in a BSN or MSN program within 1 year of hire date and complete it within 5 years.
• Active Ohio RN License; may need additional state licensure.
• Foreign graduates must have license validated through TruMerit per Ohio Board of Nursing code for Foreign Graduates.
• Pass Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification Course during orientation.

Preferred:

• BSN from an ACEN or CCNE accredited institution or MSN.

Additional Information

Primary Location: College Hill Campus

Schedule: Part time

Shift: Rotating (United States of America)

Employee Status: Regular

FTE: 0.6

Weekly Hours: 24

Benefits Overview

• Psychiatric Residency Enrichment Program
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability.