RN Behavioral Health

Merit Health; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with matching

Student Loan Repayment: Up to $20,000

Educational Assistance

Paid Time Off

Competitive salary and comprehensive:

Job summary

Merit Health seeks a Behavioral Health Registered Nurse to provide patient-centered care throughout the nursing process in a behavioral health setting. This full-time day position collaborates with physicians, nurses, and the care team to ensure quality outcomes and compassionate support for patients and families.

Responsibilities include assessments, medication administration, care planning, patient education, and adherence to safety and infection control standards, with opportunities for

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver patient-centered care per the nursing process.
• Conduct thorough patient assessments and document findings.
• Administer prescribed medications and monitor for side effects.
• Assist physicians during procedures within documented competency.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans.
• Respond to medical emergencies and participate in life-saving interventions as appropriate.
• Educate patients and families on medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care.
• Maintain infection control protocols and ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.
• Document patient care promptly in medical records.
• Engage in professional development and performance improvement initiatives.

Skills

Nursing process

Patient assessments

Medication administration

Communication skills

Documentation

Safety & infection control

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.