Pediatric Psychiatric RN
Bangor, ME
GHR Healthcare - PH Division
4x12 hrs

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - Pediatric Psychiatric Unit

Location: Bangor, Maine
Specialty: Psychiatric Unit - Pediatric
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• ASAP start
• Must be willing to float between pediatric and adult psychiatric units as needed.
• First-time travelers are accepted.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of Behavioral Health nursing experience required.
• Pediatric Behavioral Health experience preferred; candidates without pediatric experience may be considered with manager approval.
• Prior travel experience is NOT required.

Patient Population

• Acute inpatient psychiatric facility with 94 beds (50 pediatric, 44 adult).
• Patients admitted involuntarily or voluntarily, medically cleared from the ED.
• Pediatric patients aged 5-18 years; adults 18+ including geriatric.
• Common pediatric diagnoses: Eating Disorders, Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Gender Dysphoria.
• Common adult diagnoses: Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorders, Suicidal Ideation, Anxiety.
• No forensic patients or inmates.
• Occasional substance use disorder or detox patients (medically cleared).
• Facility is locked but not a high-security forensic unit.

Patient Ratios

• RN Day shift: 1:5-6 patients
• RN Night shift: 1:13 patients with resource support
• Psych Techs:

  • Pediatric Day: 6 techs; Night: 2 techs
  • Adult Day: 2 techs; Night: 2 techs

Required Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• Maine State Nursing License
• MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior) certification provided onsite during orientation

Skills and Responsibilities

• Experience with de-escalation and physical restraints (chemical restraints NOT used).
• Medication administration.
• Comfortable running group therapy sessions.
• Strong documentation skills.
• Opportunity to act as Charge Nurse, but not required.

Support and Team

• Nurse Supervisor available evenings/weekends
• Nurse Manager available days
• House Administrator available overnight/weekends
• Charge Nurse (may have patient assignments)
• Psych Techs
• Contracted Phlebotomist for lab draws
• Nurse Practitioner onsite until 4 PM, on call overnight
• Psychiatrist available daily rounds and on call midnight to 6 AM
• Occupational Therapist available 8 AM - 4:30 PM, 7 days/week
• Security onsite (does not respond to patient escalations; staff respond)

Orientation and Scheduling

• Orientation:

  • Week 1: Monday-Friday, day shifts
  • Week 2: 12-hour shifts as scheduled
• Scheduling:

  • Weekend rotation every other weekend (Saturday/Sunday)
  • Block scheduling not guaranteed
  • No on-call required
  • Overtime available
  • Holiday work expected on a rotating basis
  • Time off approval up to 7 days, with requirement to accommodate shift coverage

Additional Information

• Charting system: Cerner
• Medication dispensing: Pyxis
• Scrub color: Any solid color, professional appearance required
• Free parking available
• Expect heavy snow conditions during winter months

This position offers a dynamic environment working with both pediatric and adult psychiatric patients in an acute care setting, with strong team support and opportunities for professional growth.