Inpatient Psychiatric RN
Elmira, NY
Trusted Talent
Evenings

Schedule details include 5-8 hour shifts from 1500 to 2330. Holidays and every other weekend work are expected. Scheduled weekends off require coverage unless specified otherwise. Blocked scheduling needs prior agreement.

The role involves potential floating to a similar unit within the hospital, specifically the Inpatient Addiction Rehab Unit (ARU). RNs are expected to adhere to the hospital's uniform policy, which requires navy blue scrubs.

Unit Description: The unit is a 25-bed acute inpatient psychiatry unit with staffing requirements based on patient numbers. For 18-25 patients, at least five staff members are required, which include three licensed personnel and two others who could be licensed personnel or Mental Health Assistants (MHAs). For 11-17 patients, at least four staff members are needed, including three licensed personnel.

Roles include: - Charge Nurse: Oversees unit activities. - Admission Nurse: Manages admissions during the shift. - Medication Nurse: Handles medication for all patients on their shift.

RNs are trained for all three positions. There are also two float positions typically for MHAs, but an RN or LPN can fill these roles. Responsibilities here include rounds, taking vitals, distributing trays, facilitating groups, and similar tasks. MHAs also take patient assignments akin to nurses.

The unit maintains a patient-to-staff ratio of up to 5:1, often less. The patient population includes individuals with acute psychosis such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, suicidal tendencies, homicidal behavior, and dual diagnoses. The unit does not have an Emergency Department; for medical emergencies, 911 is called and patients are sent to the ED within a 2-mile radius.

All staff must be BLS certified. The use of seclusion is not offered, and restraints are considered a last resort after other de-escalation techniques have failed. Nursing and clinical staff are responsible for handling restraints, with security staff providing backup during crises, including patient escalation, manual holds, and restraints.