Position Summary:
Guided by the leadership of the Director of Nursing, this role serves as a vital connector between nursing, medical, and clinical teams-ensuring seamless, compassionate, and coordinated care. Acting as a trusted liaison, this position supports and empowers nursing staff while advancing a culture of clinical excellence, safety, and accountability.
Through thoughtful planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care, this role helps shape a healing environment where every patient is seen, supported, and cared for with intention. By delivering exceptional care-grounded in thorough assessment, continuous monitoring, and clear communication with the treatment team-you play a critical role in improving outcomes and supporting each patient's journey toward recovery.
Key Responsibilities:
Patient Care & Clinical Support
- Develops and initiates individualized Nursing Care Plans that reflect each patient's medical and psychological needs, as appropriate within scope of license.
- Completes comprehensive medical assessments upon admission, including chemical dependency and suicide history, documenting all findings appropriately.
- Assesses psychological and medical concerns, prioritizing needs and communicating with appropriate clinical staff and leadership.
- Provides primary first aid and determines need for physician notification, ensuring timely and appropriate intervention.
- Coordinates emergency medical care for medical and psychiatric emergencies.
- Promotes restoration of health through patient-centered care, education, and advocacy for both patients and families.
- Maintains safety and security of patients, staff, and medications at all times.
- Maintains, adheres to, and promotes infection control measures in alignment with best practices.
Medication Administration & Management
- Implements physician orders and administers medications as prescribed in accordance with DBH and facility policies.
- Oversees administration, maintenance, and documentation of medications, including proper disposal of medications after discharge.
- Ensures Medication Administration Records (MARs) are completed accurately in the electronic medical record system.
- Counts narcotics daily and ensures all narcotic logs are completed each shift in compliance with policy and regulatory standards.
- Administers TB testing in accordance with Department of Health, facility, and DBH policies.
Collaboration & Patient Education
- Collaborates with physicians, psychiatrists, and medical staff to ensure appropriate and coordinated medical interventions.
- Meets regularly with medical staff to discuss patient treatment and progress.
- Communicates effectively with BHT staff and serves as a critical link to the clinical team in delivering patient care.
- Works collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to resolve patient concerns while maintaining the ability to function autonomously.
- Provides orientation and training to new nursing staff, supporting team development and clinical excellence.
- Facilitates therapeutic nursing and health groups to promote patient education and engagement.
- Demonstrates leadership, cultural humility, and the ability to communicate effectively across diverse educational and cultural backgrounds.
- Demonstrates respect, empathy, professionalism, and a non-judgmental approach in all patient and team interactions.
Documentation & Compliance
- Adheres to all DBH policies and procedures and ensures compliance with TJC/CARF regulatory guidelines.
- Provides clear, accurate, and timely clinical documentation that meets organizational and regulatory standards.
- Ensures completion of documentation requirements in accordance with medical record review processes and timelines.
- Completes reports on unusual incidents in alignment with policy and regulatory expectations.
- Ensures admissions and discharge protocols are followed and documented appropriately.
Professional Practice
- Conducts self in a manner that reflects DBH mission, vision, and values at all times.
- Serves as shift supervisor for nursing care in collaboration with the Director of Nursing, leading staff and delegating responsibilities in a positive and professional manner.
- Assists with scheduling nursing staff and supports staffing needs, including covering shifts to ensure appropriate nursing coverage.
- Demonstrates tact, initiative, resourcefulness, enthusiasm, and professionalism in all aspects of the role.
- Maintains regular and predictable attendance as an essential function of the position.
- Performs additional duties as assigned to support program needs and patient care.
Residential Treatment Only:
- Provides transportation services including patient transportation/supervision, medical appointments, etc. (must be pre-qualified to drive a company vehicle)
Substance and Mental Health Use Disorder Division:
Monitoring of CIWA/COW scores for patients on detoxification protocols.
Knowledge of detoxification medication, withdrawal symptoms, and medical complications that can occur in detox.
Provide assistance to Utilization Review in communicating pertinent nursing information
Knowledge, Education, and Experience:
- Must be a graduate of an approved nursing program with a current licensure from an appropriate state licensing board. RN preferred; LVN/LPN required. In programs that employ RN's, RN licensure is required.
- One year experience preferred working in mental health, substance use, or eating disorders field.
- Ability to draw blood required.
- Obtain CPI certification within 90 days of hire.
- Obtain CPR, AED, and First Aid certification.
- Must possess a current Driver's License in good standing.
- *Eating Disorder Division: Obtain Serv Safe certification within 90 days of hire.
Employment Status: Full-Time
Schedule: 7 PM to 7 AM, Weekends and holidays in rotation
Work Location: On-Site in Scotrun, PA