Local Contract Nurse RN - Psychiatric
Smithtown, NY
WCS Healthcare Partners
3x12 hrs

WCS Healthcare is seeking an experienced  Psychiatric Nurse for a contract assignment at a leading behavioral health facility in Patchogue   New York  . The ideal candidate is skilled in crisis assessment, therapeutic communication, medication management, and  maintaining  a safe, supportive environment for patients experiencing acute  psychiatric symptoms.  

Job Function:  

• Shifts: 3x12 Nights (36 hours)
• Assess and interpret patients’  psychiatric status and behavioral presentation  
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop and implement  psychiatric intervention plans  
• Administer  psychotropic medications and  monitor  for therapeutic response or adverse effects  
• Build and  maintain  a positive, therapeutic nurse‑patient relationship to support emotional stability  
• Monitor adherence to non‑pharmacological treatment plans and behavioral interventions  
• Identify  and remove environmental triggers or safety risks  
• Safely restrain, de‑escalate, or medicate highly agitated patients when clinically necessary  
• Document patient progress, behavioral changes, and treatment outcomes  Provide targeted  psychoeducation to patients and families  

Job Requirements:

• Minimum of of experience required.2 years

• Travel Experience: Prior travel experience is preferred (at least 1 previous assignment), but they will consider first-time travelers with strong, extensive clinical experience.

• Patient Ratios: Candidates must be comfortable with an acuity-based ratio of across days, nights, and weekends.1:4 to 1:5+

• NYS License: Active New York State nursing license must be "in hand" at the time of submission.

• Required Certifications:

  • BLS (Basic Life Support)

  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)

  • NIHSS (Stroke Certification)

  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

• Despite the "Behavioral Health" title, this position requires heavy critical care/Emergency Department skills, including:

  • Triage and General Emergency Department care (Combined Adult/Pediatric).

  • Ventilator management and care of ventilated patients.

  • Continuous IV sedation and IV vasopressors.

  • Central line care/management.

  • Interpretation and management of dysrhythmias.

  • Management of patients with multisystem organ dysfunction/failure.

  • BiPAP/CPAP management and interpretation of Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs).

  • Administration of tPA (Stroke treatment) and utilization of violent restraints when necessary.

Disclosure: The hourly rates and/or salaries listed may or may not reflect total compensation packages including bonus and fringe benefits, etc., nor are the advertisement(s) posted a guarantee of a certain compensation package for a position or bona fide offer of employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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