Behavioral Health RN
Waynesville, Missouri
Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Missouri

Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health

Location: Waynesville, Missouri Employment type: Travel/Contract Contract length: 12 weeks Start date: ASAP. Orientation dates are 11/23 or 12/7.

Schedule and Orientation

• Shift: Night (3x12 hours), 19:00-7:00
• Hours: 12 per day, 36 per week
• Weekends: Rotating
• Orientation week (first week): 9 AM-5 PM, 40 hours
• Time off must be finalized at submission. No changes will be accepted after the profile is sent to the facility.
• Local candidates are accepted.
• Orientation includes certification in Handle with Care.

Requirements

• Valid RN license in Missouri
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Behavioral Health experience (1 year), within the last year
• Pediatrics experience
• Valid driver's license
• BLS (Basic Life Support) issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), as applicable
• Negative 9-panel drug screen within 1 year of start (instant drug screen accepted; not required annually)
• Physical exam within 1 year of start (not required annually)
• Negative TB test (PPD, Quantiferon Gold, or T-Spot) within 1 year of start, or chest X-ray within 5 years for a positive PPD. TB questionnaire collected annually.
• Measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and varicella immunity: 2 vaccines, positive titer, or declination (varies by vaccine; 1 booster accepted for some)
• Seasonal flu vaccine or declination during flu season (9/1-3/31)
• Background check within 1 year of start, with SS trace, county searches, nationwide search, sex offender registry, and FACIS Level 1M. Updated annually.
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks, required annually
• Medication/pharmacology competency exam and specialty competency exam, as applicable
• Skills checklist, required annually
• EMR experience: Yes (software familiarity, not a credential)

Preferred Qualifications

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• 2 years of experience in behavioral healthcare (not required)

Facility and Patient Information

• The facility specializes in adolescents with complex behavioral and medical needs. "Complex care" generally refers to medical conditions that make placement in standard residential treatment difficult, such as seizures, diabetes, feeding tubes, and pica.
• Maximum capacity is 15 clients.
• No official nurse-to-patient ratio. Generally 2 nurses on nights, sometimes 1.
• Mental health techs are at a 1:5 ratio during the day and 1:8 at night.
• Restraints are used 1-2 times per day, depending on the milieu. Seclusion is not used.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized nursing care plans for adolescents' physical and behavioral health needs.
• Administer medications and treatments, and monitor for therapeutic and adverse effects.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team (physicians, occupational therapists, social workers).
• Monitor and document physical and emotional status, and report significant changes promptly.
• Educate patients and families on treatment plans, medications, and coping strategies.
• Assist with crisis intervention and challenging behaviors using de-escalation and therapeutic communication.
• Maintain a safe, organized nursing environment that follows facility policies and safety regulations.
• Participate in ongoing professional development in adolescent nursing and mental health care.