Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health, Night Shift

As a Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health at UM UCH, you will play a vital role in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care for individuals with acute psychiatric conditions. You’re responsible for administering treatments as prescribed by psychiatrists and engaging in educational support, such as medication management and safety planning. Additionally, effective de-escalation and behavior management techniques are crucial parts of the role, working closely with nursing support staff to enhance patient care.

To qualify for the Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health position at UM UCH, you must hold an Associate's degree in nursing, while a Bachelor's degree is preferred. You must have a valid Maryland RN license or be eligible due to compact agreements. We highly recommend at least one year of acute hospital experience, with experience in behavioral health being particularly advantageous. Additionally, knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care will be beneficial in this role.

The work environment for Registered Nurses - Behavioral Health at UM UCH is dynamic and supportive. You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team dedicated to treating and supporting acutely ill psychiatric patients in a trauma-informed facility. The atmosphere promotes growth, learning, and teamwork, as you’ll be encouraged to contribute to quality care initiatives and participate in staff development programs. You’ll find a culture focused on improving the community's health while ensuring your own professional advancement.

Essential skills for a Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health at UM UCH include strong clinical knowledge and assessment capabilities, excellent communication, and interpersonal skills. You should be adept at de-escalation and managing challenging behaviors, fostering a calm and therapeutic environment. Besides clinical skills, a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement is crucial to effectively serve the diverse needs of our psychiatric patient population.

At UM UCH, we highly value professional development for our Registered Nurses - Behavioral Health. Opportunities include unit-based staff development seminars, mentorship programs, and the chance to act as a preceptor for new nurses and nursing students. We also encourage participation in continuing education and leadership roles within the nursing division, all of which contribute to advancing your nursing practice and career.

When faced with challenging behaviors, I focus on employing de-escalation techniques to diffusing tense situations. It’s important to actively listen to the patient’s concerns, maintain a calm demeanor, and validate their feelings while creating a safe environment. Understanding the triggers and offering choices can also empower patients, which is often vital in fostering recovery.

In my previous role, I had the opportunity to work with acutely ill psychiatric patients, where I learned the importance of individualized care. This experience taught me how to assess specific needs quickly, plan effective interventions, and engage in therapeutic communication while ensuring patient safety. I became adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to address complex care needs.

Collaboration is essential in behavioral health settings. I strive to maintain open lines of communication with the interdisciplinary team to discuss patient progress, treatment plans, and necessary adjustments. Regular team meetings and shared documentation help ensure that we are all on the same page, ultimately leading to cohesive care for our patients.

I employ a variety of methods for patient education, including one-on-one discussions to explain health conditions, treatment options, and medication management. Utilizing visual aids and facilitating group sessions also helps enhance understanding. I emphasize engaging patients in their care, which often improves their receptiveness and adherence to treatment plans.

In one instance, I noticed that patient handoff communication was lacking, which sometimes led to inconsistent care. To address this, I initiated a standardized handoff protocol that included important patient information and treatment updates. This change significantly improved continuity of care and satisfaction among both staff and patients.

I stay current with best practices by regularly attending workshops, webinars, and reading relevant nursing journals. Participating in professional organizations, such as the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, also aids my continuous education and keeps me informed about the latest trends and evidence-based practices in mental health nursing.

Creating a safe environment for psychiatric patients includes thorough assessments for any risk factors, ensuring clear communication, and actively involving patients in their care plans. Training staff in de-escalation techniques and fostering a culture of respect and dignity are also essential to promote safety and trust within the therapeutic relationship.

To manage my workload effectively during busy shifts, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and patient needs. I utilize organizational tools, delegate appropriately, and maintain clear communication with my team. Regular check-ins and being adaptable to changing circumstances have proven to help me maintain balance and deliver high-quality care.

To ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, I thoroughly familiarize myself with local policies and guidelines related to psychiatric nursing. I consistently document care accurately and participate actively in quality improvement initiatives. Staying engaged in trainings and audits also helps me to uphold all standards of practice.

I reflect on my nursing practice through self-assessment and seeking feedback from peers and supervisors. I take time to evaluate my interactions with patients, learn from challenges, and celebrate successes. Continuous education and engagement in professional development activities are also pivotal to enhancing my practice and providing the best possible care.