Pediatric Behavioral Health RN
Utica, New York
Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center

Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)

Location: Utica, New York

Job Details

• Specialty: Registered Nurse
• Employment Type: Travel/Contract
• Contract Length: 26 weeks (approximately 6 months)
• Schedule:

  • 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7 PM - 7:30 AM)
  • 1 shift per week, 4 hours (7 PM - 7:30 AM)
  • Pass days to be determined, including alternating weekends off
• Patient Population: Children & Youth on psychiatric ward
• Key Responsibilities:

  • Ensure safety of each child on the ward, monitor symptoms and conditions
  • Supervise Mental Health Treatment Assistant (MHTA) staff on the wards
  • Attend various meetings (CTP, morning meetings, TPRs, discharge planning)
  • Note prescriber orders and administer medications
  • Conduct nursing assessments and update vital signs, weights, and patient records
  • Monitor inventory and order supplies as needed

Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Registered Nurse
• Required Years of Experience: Not explicitly stated; assume minimum standard for psychiatric RN roles (typically 1-2 years)
• Prior Travel Experience: Not specified as required

Certifications & Licenses Required

• Current State RN License (New York)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• BLS (Basic Life Support) - American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) - American Heart Association or American Red Cross

Background & Compliance Requirements

• Background Check: Within 1 year for last 7 years of locations lived/worked/schooled; includes SS Trace, County searches, Nationwide, Sex Offender Registry
• Fingerprinting: Required onsite (with some exceptions for certain facilities)
• New York Statewide Central Registry (SCR) clearance required
• Criminal Background Check Fingerprint Results required

Health & Immunization Requirements

• Physical Exam: Within 1 year of start date
• Negative TB test or Chest X-Ray (Qgold, Tspot, or 2-step PPD) within 12 months prior to start
• Annual TB Questionnaire completion required
• Vaccination documentation or titers for:

  • Rubeola (Measles)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Hepatitis B (vaccination, titers, or declination)
  • Varicella
• Drug Testing: 9-panel within 1 year of start (instant tests acceptable)
• Flu Seasonal Vaccination or Declination (2025-26 season)
• COVID-19 Vaccine Booster: Preferred but not required

Competency Requirements

• Medication Test/Pharmacology Competency Exam (required for RNs)
• General Competency Exam (required for all candidates)

Additional Requirements

• 2 professional references required
• Medicaid Enrollment documentation may be required depending on facility policies

This position involves working in a psychiatric setting with children and youth, requiring strong clinical skills, ability to supervise staff, and compliance with extensive background and health documentation requirements.