REGISTERED NURSE .900 Days Geri Pysch

Geriatric Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit in Kankakee, Illinois. In this role, you will provide comprehensive psychiatric nursing care to adult and geriatric patients experiencing acute mental health crises. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care, ensuring that each patient receives developmentally appropriate, individualized, high-quality treatment in a supportive and therapeutic environment. This position requires a deep understanding of psychiatric nursing principles, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage complex and often challenging situations with professionalism and empathy. Additionally, this position requires flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Essential Duties

• Patient Assessment and Care Planning: Conduct thorough psychiatric assessments, including mental status examinations and risk assessments. Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with the patient, family, and interdisciplinary team.
• Treatment Administration: Administer medications and treatments as prescribed, monitor patient responses, and adjust care plans as needed. Ensure safe and accurate medication management and document all interventions.
• Therapeutic Interventions: Provide direct psychiatric nursing care, including facilitating psychoeducational groups, crisis intervention, and providing support. Employ therapeutic communication techniques to build rapport and support patient engagement in their treatment.
• Patient Monitoring: Monitor and document patient progress, vital signs, and behavioral changes. Identify and report any significant changes or concerns to the healthcare team promptly.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Work closely with psychiatrists, social workers/case managers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and holistic patient care. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and contribute to care planning and discharge planning.
• Education and Advocacy: Educate patients and their families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and coping strategies. Advocate for patients' needs and rights within the healthcare system.
• Crisis Management: Respond effectively to psychiatric emergencies, including managing aggressive or self-harming behaviors and implementing de-escalation techniques.
• Patient Experience: Engage with patients and their families in a manner that promotes comfort, trust, and understanding. Address patient concerns with empathy and professionalism, striving to create a positive and supportive environment that fosters a sense of security and well-being.
• Employee Experience: Contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment. Offer constructive feedback and assistance to peers, and engage in open communication to promote a culture of mutual respect and teamwork.

Non-essential Duties

• Participate in ongoing professional development and training to stay current with best practices and advancements in psychiatric nursing.
• Assist in the orientation and training of new staff members and students as needed.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives related to psychiatric care.

Requirements

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of clinical nursing experience with a diverse patient population (including those with chronic conditions, various ages, and cultural backgrounds) OR 1 year of nursing experience and 5 years in a related healthcare field.
• Relevant clinical experience and understanding of population health management, chronic disease management, and evidence-based care coordination.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; familiarity with case management software and electronic health records preferred.

Required Licensure/Education

• Graduate of an approved school of nursing; bachelor's degree in Nursing preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing required within 1 year of hire.
• Current Illinois State License as a Registered Nurse (RN) required.

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

• Exposure to:
• Chemicals: White out for correction of typing/writing corrections.
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: Low risk
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Low risk.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Required to communicate with physicians, hospital staff, and outside agencies.
• Vision: Needed to perform chart review data, computer screen work, reading data and information.
• Smell: NA
• Hearing: Needed for telephone communication.
• Touch: Needed to write, computer entry, individual pages of chart for review.

• Activity/Lifting Requirements
• Average Hours per Week: 40
• Shift: Days

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 70%
• Twist: 2%
• Stand: 10%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 9%
• Kneel: 1%
• Lift: 4%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 1%
• Climb: 0%
• Bend: 2%
• Reach above shoulders: 1%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 20 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 35 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 50 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 120
• Twist: 1
• Stand: 30
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 10
• Kneel: 1
• Lift: 5
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 1
• Climb: 0
• Bend: 2
• Reach above shoulders: 1
• Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated): Simple grasp up to 10 lbs. Normal weight: 80%
• Pushing &pulling Normal weight:
• Fine Manipulation: Computer entry, writing.
• Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: None

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours : 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere: Odors, Dust
• Special Hazards: NA
• Protective Clothing Required: None

Salary Description

$36.44 - $47.40