ED Behavioral Health Zone C- Behavioral Health Nurse- 36hr- Day Shift

Under general supervision, plans and provides direct professional nursing care for specified patients throughout the entire episode of service delivery as defined by population and unit. Provides nursing services to patients and families in accordance with the standards of practice of a professional nurse, Connecticut Childrens policies & procedures, TJC, and state & federal regulations. Reports to Nurse Manager.

Connecticut Children's is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children's offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members. At Connecticut Children's, treating children isn't just our job - it's our passion. As a leading children's health system experiencing steady growth, we're excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children's health and well-being as one team.

Education and/or Experience Requirements

Education Required: ASN required upon hire. BSN preferred upon hire and required within 3 years of hire.

Education Preferred: BSN preferred.

Experience Preferred: Minimum of two years' clinical experience in pediatrics and/or behavioral health setting preferred.

License and/or Certification Required: Current State of Connecticut Registered Nurse Licensure required or nurse licensure compact (NLC) and maintained thereafter. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR in adult, child & infant is required upon hire and maintained thereafter. Specialty licensure/certification may be required, as specified by department. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within 6 months of hire into position, or before completion of orientation if this is longer than 6 months and maintained thereafter.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Theory, principles, techniques and practice of professional nursing.
• Common behavioral health/ psychiatric diagnosis, medications, concepts, and evidence based therapeutic interventions and treatments.
• State regulations regarding nursing practice.
• Clinical standards of care; documentation and patient record policies and standards.
• Teaching techniques; identification of learning needs and provision of patient/family education.
• Developmental and population-specific patient and family assessment techniques and how to apply to practice.
• Accreditation and certification requirements and standards.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Effective de-escalation techniques.
• Basic proficiency in utilization of personal computers in a networked Windows-based healthcare environment to access related software applications; locate, open, edit and print files and information utilized by the unit; and use of Internet as research tool.

Ability to:

• Work individually or within teams and/or organizations within the medical and research community.
• Make clinical and procedural decisions using the nursing process.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Delegate appropriately to ancillary staff.
• Communicate effectively with individuals and groups both orally and in writing.
• Maintain excellent professional boundaries.
• Maintain professional composure, including during stressful/difficult, and/or critical situations.

Clinical Practice

On a daily basis, demonstrates clinical expertise and uses the nursing process to provide safe, appropriate patient care to a defined patient population according to Connecticut Children's and unit policies and standards.

Population Specific

Demonstrates knowledge of the differences and needs of patients presenting with behavioral health concerns and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients, families and co-workers.

Unit Leadership

Fosters effective team dynamics amongst staff, using clear communication supporting patient, family and staff safety. As assigned, participates in the professional development of others through preceptor/mentor activities. Supports the unit/department's work productivity and resource management activities.

Documentation/Communication

Completes all required documentation in a timely manner, according to Connecticut Children's policies and standards, necessary information is effectively communicated to all members of the healthcare team.

Patient/Family Partnership & Education

Partners with the patient and family in evaluating outcomes. Monitors, trends, and evaluates patient/family responses to treatment. Provides appropriate education to patients and families regarding all aspects of care according to Connecticut Children's policies, standards; supports the organization's efforts to patient/family education.

Connecticut Children's Standards

Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with the Connecticut Children's standards.

Position Specific Role Responsibilities

Serves as a nurse for patients presenting with behavioral health concerns. Fosters teamwork, consistency, and collaboration amongst colleagues supporting patient, family and staff safety. Develops a working understanding of medico-legal implications of evidence handling and preservation.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Delegates duties and tasks associated with patient care to clinical staff, including unlicensed assistive personnel according to hospital policy and their scope of practice.