Description

Millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. This is nearly one in five adults. Are you searching for the opportunity to make an impact on these individuals? Are you passionate about dispelling widespread stigma and misunderstanding associated with mental health?

For more than 60 years, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital has been a national leader in the treatment of mental health and addictive disorders throughout the lifespan.  In conjunction with the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, we continue to strive to be one of the nation’s foremost academic- based psychiatric care facilities and remain dedicated to providing professionals with state-of-the-art training and assistance.

UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is seeking a dedicated full time 90% psychiatric nurse to help support the inpatient Resource Pool for its Oakland location. This position will work day/night rotation, with three 12 hour shifts. The Psychiatric RN working in the Resource Pool will receive a rate differential. 

The Psychiatric Nurse is responsible for demonstrating clinical competence in the delivery of direct patient care and the implementation of the milieu management program.

Responsibilities:

• Maintains competency requirements. 
• Attends two unit-based or institute-wide inservices yearly.  
• Serves as mentor to students and new employees. 
• Learns and utilizes up-to-date technology in delivery of patients care.
• Participates in interdisciplinary activities including, treatment team, staff meeting, co-worker feedback process and other committees as assigned. 
• Follows research protocols as required.
• Performs a nursing assessment and initial plan of care within 8 hours of patient's admission. 
• Orients/educates patient regarding hospitalization. 
• Documents in the medical record according to established policies. 
• Maintains current knowledge of medication policies and practices, including side effects, dosage and patient response. 
• Completes medication administration safely and accurately, including transcription, administration and documentation according to established policies. 
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of DSM IV diagnosis as evidenced by individual, group and milieu therapeutic interventions. 
• Manages crisis situations effectively using positive approaches. 
• Adheres to Nursing Standards and Policies including ANA Standards for Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, ANA Professional Code for Nurses, the WPIC policies and procedures and the Nurse Practice Act. Performs point of care testing per unit (i.e., glucose monitoring, urinalysis, Hemocults.)
• Performs charge RN responsibilities competently and effectively. 
• Participates with unit management in Program Development and Performance Improvement Activities

Qualifications

• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing required. 
• BSN preferred. 
• Six months of experience in Clinical Psychiatry preferred. 
• Successful completion of the central and unit specific orientation programs including the medication proficiency examination.  
• The incumbent must by physically capable of providing direct total physical care to unpredictable, potentially violent, mentally ill patients as necessary including lifting, supporting, running towards or away from areas where problems are occurring, and pushing and pulling equipment, such as, wheelchairs, stretchers, and beds.

Total Rewards

More than just competitive pay and benefits, UPMC’s Total Rewards package cares for you in all areas of life &emdash; because we believe that you’re at your best when receiving the support you need: professional, personal, financial, and more.

Our Values

At UPMC, we’re driven by shared values that guide our work and keep us accountable to one another. Our Values of Quality & Safety, Dignity & Respect, Caring & Listening, Responsibility & Integrity, Excellence & Innovation play a vital role in creating a cohesive, positive experience for our employees, patients, health plan members, and community. Ready to join us? Apply today.