St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.

The Registered Nurse is responsible for coordinating and providing individualized quality patient care for the adult and/or older adult patient with mental illness, based on the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Works cooperatively with ancillary, nursing and other patient-team personnel to maintain standards for professional nursing practice. These nursing functions of the RN are carried out according to the Pennsylvania Nurse Practice Act, hospital policy, the hospital Mission Statement, and the Philosophy of the Department of Nursing.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrates competency in the assessment, range of treatment, knowledge of growth and development and communication appropriate to the age of the patient treated.  Performs assessment of the mental and physical status of all assigned patients.  Implements, evaluates, and documents patient care interventions and patient responses in accordance with hospital policy.
• Demonstrates accountability for initiating and maintaining the multi-disciplinary treatment plans, assuring that all elements are reviewed and revised as required by departmental policy and regulatory standards.
• Assesses patient/family learning needs and provides and documents psycho-educational interventions by utilizing a variety of therapeutic programming modalities (patient education groups, individual sessions, etc.).
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge base of psychopharmacology.
• Demonstrates appropriate skill as a member of the Control Team, in responding to agitation/violent behavior of individuals requiring verbal de-escalation and/or physical restraint.
•  Demonstrates competence in caring for the patient requiring restraints or seclusion.
•  Collaborates with others to complete job duties as appropriate, is open to considering and offering new ideas and approaches to doing things
• Demonstrates proper chain of command for work related issues.
• Directly supervises and is accountable for the care provided by the Mental Health Technician and all other ancillary staff.
• Maintains clinical records of all patient contact according to hospital policy and other regulatory guidelines (i.e., State, JCAHO). Documents patient information thoroughly, reflecting consideration of treatment plan.
• Completes Departmental Orientation Checklist within 90 days of employment and completes all identified competencies for job description on an annual basis.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Sit up to 2 hours per day; 1 hour at a time. Stand for up to 8 hours per day, 4 hours at a time. Walk 6 hours per day; 10 minutes at a time. Consistently lift, carry and push objects up to 10 lbs. Frequently lift, carry and push objects up to 75 lbs. Transport patients weighing up to 250 lbs. via wheelchair, bed and/or stretcher with assistance when appropriate. Consistently pull up to 10 lbs. Frequently pull up to 250 lbs. with assistance when appropriate. Frequently stoop and bend, crouch, kneel and climb. Frequently reach above shoulder level. Occasional crawling. Must be able to perceive attributes of an object through touch. Frequently finger and handle objects. Occasionally firmly grasp, twist, and turn objects with hands and fingers. Must be able to hear as it relates to normal conversation, and high and low frequencies. Must be able to see as it relates to general, near, far color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and visual monotony (e.g. computer screen).

EDUCATION:

Registered Nurse with current license to practice in the state of Pennsylvania or seeking Pennsylvania licensure through reciprocity.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Previous psychiatric, medical, and / or geriatric nursing experience preferred.  ANCC certification in Psychiatric and Mental Health nursing preferred. Evidence of successful completion of BLS.

WORK SCHEDULE, LOCATION, TRAINING:

Per Diem, as scheduled for Adult and Older Adult Behavioral Health. Evening and Weekend availability needed. Pre-scheduled and short notice availability preferred. Must be able to attend 8 days of initial orientation (day time business hours, weekdays) as well as unit training. Per Diem minimum = 2 shifts per month. Flexibility for travel to Behavioral Health Units at St. Luke's Sacred Heart and Quakertown Campuses.

Please complete your application using your full legal name and current home address.  Be sure to include employment history for the past seven (7) years, including your present employer.  Additionally, you are encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and licenses, if applicable.  It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application.  Thank you for your interest in St. Luke's!!

St. Luke's University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.