RN/LPN
RIVER VALLEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Summary
The Inpatient Nurse at RiverValley Behavioral Health children's hospital provides essential care and support to children and adolescents in acute psychiatric crisis. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the nurse administers medications, performs assessments, responds to crises and supports individualized treatment goals in a trauma-informed, CARF-accredited environment. The Inpatient Nurse ensures compliance with all applicable state, federal and CMS regulations for inpatient psychiatric care in a pediatric population.
Job description
Job Summary
The Inpatient Nurse at RiverValley Behavioral Health children's hospital provides essential care and support to children and adolescents in acute psychiatric crisis. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the nurse administers medications, performs assessments, responds to crises and supports individualized treatment goals in a trauma-informed, CARF-accredited environment. The Inpatient Nurse ensures compliance with all applicable state, federal and CMS regulations for inpatient psychiatric care in a pediatric population.
Essential Functions
- Deliver nursing care for youth in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting.
- Assess patient needs, implement appropriate nursing interventions and respond effectively in emergencies.
- Administer medications, monitor side effects and document outcomes in accordance with hospital policy.
- Conduct nursing assessments and participate in daily rounds and team meetings.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary treatment team to implement person-centered treatment plans.
- Provide therapeutic interventions and emotional support during behavioral crises using de-escalation techniques.
- Ensure timely and thorough documentation in the electronic medical record.
- Maintain accurate medication administration records (MARs) and comply with medication safety protocols.
- Supervise and guide Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) as assigned.
- Educate patients and families on medication regimens, discharge planning and care continuity.
- Adhere to infection control, safety protocols and CARF standards.
- Participate in quality improvement activities and audits to support regulatory compliance.
- Respond to medical emergencies and provide first aid and basic life support when required.
- Maintain required training and certifications, including Mandt System and BLS/CPR.
- Support a therapeutic milieu through consistent structure, supervision and positive role-modeling.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Associate or bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited institution. BSN preferred.
- Current, unrestricted Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) OR Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Kentucky.
- Previous experience in pediatric or adolescent mental health nursing is strongly preferred.
- Experience in a hospital or inpatient setting is a plus.
- BLS (Basic Life Support) training provided. PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) preferred certification.
Knowledge and Skills
- Strong clinical assessment skills, excellent communication and interpersonal abilities and a compassionate approach to patient care.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Verbal, writing, and analytical skills.
- Skills and knowledge of principles of the organization, strategies of nursing and foundation of health laws.
- Able to make complex decisions.
Requirements
- Associate or bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited institution
- Current, unrestricted Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) OR Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Kentucky
- Previous experience in pediatric or adolescent mental health nursing is strongly preferred
- Experience in a hospital or inpatient setting is a plus
- BLS (Basic Life Support) training provided
- PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) preferred certification
- Strong clinical assessment skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Compassionate approach to patient care
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Verbal, writing, and analytical skills
- Skills and knowledge of principles of the organization, strategies of nursing and foundation of health laws
- Able to make complex decisions
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Telehealth
- Paid time off
- 9 holidays
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Free CEUs
- Clinical supervision
- Wellness program
- Employee assistance program
- Mileage reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Company overview
River Valley Behavioral Health is a comprehensive mental health care provider specializing in behavioral health services for individuals and communities. As a healthcare provider organization, it focuses on delivering evidence-based treatment and support services for mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities. The organization typically offers a range of services including outpatient counseling, crisis intervention, psychiatric care, addiction treatment, and community-based support programs. River Valley Behavioral Health serves as a critical resource in its region, providing accessible mental health care to diverse populations through integrated treatment approaches. The organization emphasizes person-centered care, recovery-oriented services, and community partnerships to address the complex needs of individuals facing behavioral health challenges. With a commitment to improving mental wellness and quality of life, River Valley Behavioral Health plays an essential role in the healthcare ecosystem by bridging gaps in mental health services and promoting holistic well-being for the communities it serves.