Staff Nurse RN - Behavioral Health

As a Staff Nurse RN at Mercy Medical Center, your main responsibilities will include treating patients, providing emotional support and education about mental health conditions, running therapeutic groups, conducting psychiatric crisis interventions, and managing patient follow-ups. You will also be involved in recording medical histories, administering treatments, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary treatment team to ensure comprehensive patient care.

To qualify for the Staff Nurse RN position at Mercy Medical Center, you must hold a valid State license as a Registered Nurse, have a current BLS certification, and possess a working knowledge of mental health laws and practices. Familiarity with the continuum of care for behavioral health and experience in inpatient and outpatient settings are also highly beneficial.

The Staff Nurse RN position at Mercy Medical Center requires working the night shift, specifically from 7 PM to 7:30 AM. This 12-hour shift format allows for in-depth patient care and the opportunity to develop strong relationships with the patients in the Behavioral Health department.

Mercy Medical Center offers a competitive benefits package for Staff Nurse RNs, including paid time off, a 401K retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, tuition reimbursement, and various voluntary benefit options. This comprehensive Total Rewards package is designed to cater to the diverse needs of our employees.

To apply for the Staff Nurse RN position at Mercy Medical Center, interested candidates can visit our careers page and submit their application along with their resume. If you're passionate about behavioral health and meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply and join our dedicated team.

When discussing your experience with psychiatric crisis interventions, it’s important to highlight specific instances where you effectively assessed and managed acute situations. Mention your ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, your approach to de-escalation, and how you collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure patient safety and support.

In your response, emphasize the importance of clear communication and tailoring your approach to each patient's understanding level. Discuss how you utilize educational materials, encourage questions, and provide practical tips for managing conditions at home, ensuring that both patients and families feel informed and empowered.

Share your methods for prioritizing tasks, such as assessing the most urgent patient needs first and using a time management system. Highlight the ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing situations while ensuring that all patients receive the care they require.

In your answer, discuss the significance of empathy, building trust, and providing a safe environment for patients. Highlight how these elements contribute to better patient outcomes and create a supportive atmosphere for healing.

When describing a challenging patient interaction, provide a specific example where you remained calm, practiced active listening, and employed de-escalation techniques. Discuss the outcome and what you learned from the experience to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and resilience.

Discuss the various self-care strategies you implement, such as setting boundaries, seeking supervision or mentorship, and engaging in activities outside of work that rejuvenate you. Highlighting the importance of mental health for caregivers can show your commitment to both personal well-being and patient care.

Emphasize the collaborative nature of the Behavioral Health unit, and share your experiences of working alongside various healthcare professionals. Discuss how you communicate effectively, support your colleagues, and contribute to a team environment that prioritizes patient-centered care.

When addressing your familiarity with mental health laws and standards, outline any specific training or courses you have taken. Share your understanding of important laws and how they impact patient care and rights, which will demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to compliant nursing practices.

Explain the strategies you employ in therapeutic groups, such as active participation, structured activities, and providing a non-judgmental space for discussion. Highlight your ability to facilitate conversations and foster an atmosphere of trust, which is essential for effective group therapy.

Your answer should reflect a personal passion for helping individuals with mental health challenges and your appreciation for the mission of Mercy Medical Center. Speak to how you believe your skills align with the department’s needs and how you envision contributing to their compassionate care philosophy.