RN Behavioral Health

Merit Health; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 58,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Student loan repayment up to 20k

Educational assistance

Paid time off

Competitive salary & benefits

Job summary

Merit Health in Jackson, MS is seeking a Behavioral Health Registered Nurse to provide patient-centered care using the nursing process. You will coordinate care, assess patients, educate families, and collaborate with physicians and staff to achieve positive outcomes.

The role requires 0-2 years of clinical nursing experience or student rotations in acute care, with opportunities to advance in a supportive behavioral health team.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of clinical nursing experience or student rotations in acute care required

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and delivers patient-centered care in accordance with the nursing process.
• Conducts thorough patient assessments and documents findings; reports changes to care team.
• Provides age-appropriate care and education.
• Administers prescribed medications; monitors for side effects; documents administration.
• Assists physicians during procedures within competency.
• Collaborates with healthcare team to develop and evaluate individualized care plans.
• Responds to medical emergencies; participates in CPR and code team activities as appropriate.
• Advocates for patient rights and involvement in care planning.
• Educates patients and families on conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care.
• Implements infection control protocols to prevent infections.
• Monitors and operates medical equipment as needed.
• Promotes patient safety and maintains a clean environment.
• Participates in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks.
• Demonstrates responsible decision-making in planning and delegation.
• Documents care and education thoroughly in medical records.
• Engages in professional development to maintain clinical competency.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives to enhance outcomes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular attendance.
• Complies with policies and standards.

Skills

Nursing process

Patient assessment

Medication administration

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Documentation

Infection control

Quality improvement

Job description

Behavioral Health Registered Nurse

Position Type: Full Time Days

Benefits

• 401(k) with matching
• Student Loan Repayment: Up to $20,000
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Time Off
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Job Summary

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides patient-centered care through the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This role is responsible for coordinating and delivering high-quality care based on established clinical protocols and physician/provider orders. The RN collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care and desired outcomes, while maintaining a supportive and compassionate environment for patients and their families.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates and delivers high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.
• Conducts thorough patient assessments and documents findings accurately, reporting changes in condition to the appropriate care team members.
• Utilizes knowledge of human growth and development to provide age-appropriate care and education.
• Administers prescribed medications, monitors for side effects, and documents administration in accordance with standards of practice.
• Assists physicians during procedures within the scope of documented competency and skill level.
• Collaborates with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans based on patient assessments and needs.
• Responds to medical emergencies and participates in life-saving interventions, such as CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.
• Advocates for the rights and needs of patients, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in care planning and delivery.
• Provides patient and family education on medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care, ensuring understanding and adherence to instructions.
• Implements and adheres to infection control protocols to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
• Monitors and operates medical equipment (e.g., IV pumps, monitors, ventilators) as needed for patient care and safety.
• Promotes patient safety by adhering to National Patient Safety Goals and maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and staff.
• Participates in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to standards of practice and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrates responsible decision-making in planning, delegating, and providing care based on patient needs and organizational policies.
• Documents patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical record.
• Engages in professional development to maintain clinical competency and understanding of current nursing standards and regulations.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development, to enhance patient outcomes and care delivery.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role or student clinical rotations in an acute care setting required

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong knowledge of the nursing process and clinical nursing practices.
• Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively.
• Proficient in administering medications and monitoring for side effects.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting patient care.
• Knowledge of safety standards, infection control, and quality improvement initiatives.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support required
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred
• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation preferred
• Refer to facility or unit-specific guidelines for additional requirements.